The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has rejected demands for the resignation of its Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, maintaining that such calls undermine the commission’s constitutional independence.
In a statement released on Thursday night in Abuja, Chief Press Secretary Adedayo Oketola dismissed allegations from political actors accusing the chairman of bias.
He said the criticism followed INEC’s compliance with a recent Court of Appeal judgment.
“INEC is a creation of the Constitution. The appointment, tenure, and removal of the Chairman and National Commissioners are strictly governed by law,” the statement said.
“The Chairman does not hold office at the pleasure of any political party or interest group. Any calls for removal outside the constitutional process are a direct assault on the independence of the nation’s electoral umpire.”
The commission explained that obeying the appellate court ruling was necessary to avoid a repeat of past incidents in Zamfara and Plateau states, where failure to follow court orders led to the removal of elected officials.
It added that disregarding an existing Federal High Court directive could have jeopardised ongoing legal proceedings.
INEC also rejected claims that it is weakening Nigeria’s multi-party system. It pointed to the recognition of new political parties such as the Democratic Leadership Alliance, Nigeria Democratic Congress, and National Democratic Party, bringing the total number of registered parties to 22.
“INEC remains a neutral regulator, not a participant in political competition,” it stressed.
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Addressing concerns over the planned nationwide voter revalidation exercise, the commission clarified that the process predates Professor Amupitan’s appointment and is purely administrative.
The exercise will be conducted across all local government areas and polling units to verify voter records, eliminate duplicate registrations, and remove deceased voters from the roll.
“Revalidation is essential to strengthen the integrity of the National Register of Voters,” the Commission said. “It is not targeted at any region, party, or demographic and will include robust digital options for voters.”
INEC added that its immediate priority is the conduct of upcoming off-cycle governorship elections in Ekiti in June 2026 and Osun in August 2026, warning political stakeholders against politicising its administrative actions.
“Our allegiance is to the Constitution and the will of the Nigerian people. Calls for the resignation of Professor Amupitan are out of place,” it concluded.
The commission’s response followed calls by the African Democratic Congress, ADC, for the chairman to step down over alleged partisanship.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Friday, the party’s National Chairman, David Mark, said the ADC had lost confidence in INEC, alleging that the commission’s recent decisions were unlawful and contrary to democratic principles.
He further accused INEC of interfering in an internal party dispute and ignoring a Court of Appeal ruling by withdrawing recognition of the party’s leadership.
Mark also alleged that the administration of President Bola Tinubu is working to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 elections, describing it as part of a broader strategy to retain political dominance despite prevailing security and economic challenges.