The African Democratic Congress caucus in the House of Representatives has asked President Bola Tinubu to remove and prosecute the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Professor Joash Amupitan, over claims that he is no longer neutral ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The demand was announced in Abuja after a caucus meeting led by Afam Ogene, who said recent actions and statements linked to the INEC chairman have raised serious doubts about his ability to conduct free and fair elections.
According to Ogene, the caucus believes Amupitan’s neutrality has been compromised by alleged partisan behavior. He pointed to claims that the chairman once used a personal X account to support the ruling All Progressives Congress and shared controversial posts about religious violence in Nigeria.
Although INEC has denied that the account belongs to Amupitan, the caucus said digital investigations and forensic checks suggest the account is connected to him, including a phone number reportedly registered in his name. These claims, the lawmakers argue, raise serious questions about his integrity, transparency, and fitness for such a sensitive national role.
Based on these concerns, the caucus is calling for his immediate removal and prosecution to prevent what it described as a possible slide into undemocratic practices.
The situation is further complicated by an ongoing leadership crisis within the ADC, which the caucus blames on INEC’s вмешение in party affairs. At the center of the dispute is the recognition of the party’s leadership.
Former Senate President David Mark had earlier been acknowledged by INEC as the legitimate leader of the party after meeting all legal requirements. The party says this recognition was backed by official documentation, including an affidavit issued by the commission.
However, INEC later withdrew that recognition and appeared to support a rival faction led by Nafiu Bala. This move has caused internal divisions, legal battles, and uncertainty within the party as the 2027 elections approach.
ADC lawmakers argue that INEC’s involvement in what they describe as an internal party issue has worsened the crisis and could stop the party from presenting candidates in the next elections. They accuse the commission of abandoning its neutral role and interfering in a way that threatens democratic participation.
The caucus also alleged that some members of the judiciary may be working with INEC to influence the outcome of an ongoing court case about the party’s leadership, scheduled for April 14, 2026. They claim this could determine which faction is officially recognized.
Beyond the electoral body, the lawmakers raised concerns about growing political interference in the judiciary. They warned that they are prepared to take further action, including filing a petition with the National Judicial Council to investigate judges accused of partisan conduct.
They referenced recent comments by Nigerian Bar Association President Afam Osigwe, who warned that public trust in the judiciary is declining. The caucus echoed concerns that some judges are seen as benefiting from political favors, including reports of politicians gifting cars to members of the bench.
The lawmakers said these developments are damaging confidence in both the electoral system and the judiciary. They called on Nigerians across political lines to come together to protect democracy, warning that the current situation poses a serious threat to the country’s democratic future.
They also reflected on past eras, noting that even during military rule, respected judges upheld strong legal standards despite difficult conditions. In contrast, they said recent judgments and court actions have raised concerns about consistency, independence, and fairness in the justice system.
The caucus concluded that urgent steps are needed to restore credibility to Nigeria’s democratic institutions before the next general elections.
