The African Democratic Congress caucus in the House of Representatives has intensified pressure on President Bola Tinubu, calling for the immediate removal and prosecution of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Professor Joash Amupitan, over alleged partisanship ahead of the 2027 elections.
The position was announced on Monday, April 13, by caucus leader Afam Ogene, following a meeting in Abuja.
He said the group had grown increasingly concerned about the chairman’s ability to act as a neutral umpire in a sensitive electoral cycle.
“The caucus raised concerns regarding the impartiality and neutrality of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof Joash Amupitan, to oversee a free, fair, and credible 2027 general elections.
“This follows recent public statements and actions by the chairman that have been deemed compromising, partisan, and conflicted,” Ogene said.
Central to the controversy are allegations linking Amupitan to a social media account accused of promoting partisan views.
“It has been alleged that he previously made a partisan statement on his personal X account, wherein he expressed support for the ruling All Progressives Congress. Additionally, he has been accused of posting content alleging Christian genocide in Nigeria,” Ogene said.
Although INEC has denied any connection between the chairman and the account, the caucus insists otherwise.
“Although INEC has denied that Prof Amupitan is the owner of the X account in question, digital forensic analysis and other online investigations by various sources suggest that the account is indeed his and that the phone number used to create it is registered in his name,” Ogene said.
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The lawmakers argue that the situation raises serious concerns about trust and transparency.
“This has raised concerns regarding his transparency, integrity, and trustworthiness, particularly given the critical nature of the office he holds, which will have far-reaching implications for the nation,” Ogene said.
“In light of these inconsistencies and concerns regarding impartiality and integrity, the House caucus, on Monday, April 13, 2026, hereby calls for the removal of Prof Amupitan from office and advocates for his prosecution, in order to safeguard the nation against an avoidable descent into undemocratic practices,” the statement read in part.
The caucus also linked its demand to the ongoing leadership crisis within the ADC, blaming INEC for worsening divisions after withdrawing recognition of former Senate President David Mark and allegedly backing a rival faction.
“The caucus is gravely concerned about the ostensibly undemocratic action taken by INEC, under the leadership of Prof Amupitan, which appears to deny the ADC the opportunity to participate in the forthcoming elections.
“This is being achieved through the perpetuation of a leadership crisis within the party, whereby INEC has abdicated its responsibility as an impartial arbiter and instead intervened in the party’s internal affairs,” Ogene said.
Beyond electoral concerns, the lawmakers raised alarm over alleged judicial interference, warning they would petition the National Judicial Council.
“We are vigilant and have concluded plans, on behalf of the Nigerian people, to submit a petition before the National Judicial Council to the effect that politically exposed judicial officers, as recently outlined by the NBA president, Afam Osigwe, SAN, be made to undergo investigations and possible removal from the Bench,” Ogene said.