DistantNews

ADC Reps caucus demands INEC chair removal

From The Punch · (1d ago) English Critical tone

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • The African Democratic Congress (ADC) caucus in Nigeria's House of Representatives demands the immediate dismissal and prosecution of the INEC Chairman.
  • The caucus cites alleged partisanship and compromising statements by the INEC Chairman as reasons for their demand, casting doubt on his ability to ensure fair 2027 elections.
  • This call for removal is linked to a leadership crisis within the ADC, which the lawmakers attribute to the INEC's intervention in the party's internal affairs.

As representatives of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the House of Representatives, we are deeply concerned by the actions and alleged statements of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan. His conduct has raised serious questions about his impartiality and ability to oversee a free and fair general election in 2027. We believe these concerns warrant his immediate removal and prosecution to safeguard our democratic process.

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.

— Afam OgeneThe leader of the ADC caucus in the House of Representatives stating their primary concern.

Our caucus has observed recent public statements and actions attributed to Prof. Amupitan that appear compromised and partisan. Specifically, allegations of him making partisan statements on his personal X account and posting content related to sensitive national issues have eroded confidence in his neutrality. While INEC has denied ownership of the account, digital evidence suggests otherwise, casting a shadow over his transparency and integrity. Such doubts are unacceptable for the head of our electoral body.

This follows recent public statements and actions by the chairman that have been deemed compromising, partisan, and conflicted.

— Afam OgeneThe lawmaker elaborating on the reasons behind the caucus's demand.

Furthermore, the INEC's intervention in the internal leadership crisis of the ADC, particularly its decision to withdraw recognition of established party leaders, has exacerbated divisions within our party. This interference, we argue, is directly linked to the current leadership challenges and uncertainty surrounding our party's structure ahead of the crucial 2027 elections. We call for the removal of Prof. Amupitan to prevent further descent into undemocratic practices and to ensure the integrity of the upcoming electoral cycle.

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, to safeguard the nation against an avoidable descent into undemocratic practices.

— Afam OgeneThe formal resolution and demand made by the ADC lawmakers.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.