Indications have emerged that the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Joash Amupitan, is facing mounting pressure to resign over allegations of bias in favor of the ruling All Progressives Congress ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Andrew Mamedu, called for Amupitan’s resignation, citing alleged past partisan social media activity. However, public affairs analyst Victor Oluwafemi urged adherence to due process and responsible public discourse.
Amupitan had recently assured stakeholders that the commission would remain neutral in the electoral process. He also said the commission would act against violations of electoral guidelines and constitutional provisions, noting that the 2026 electoral guidelines were developed with input from stakeholders.
The controversy intensified after INEC announced it had withdrawn the recognition of David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola as chairman and secretary, respectively, of the African Democratic Congress. The decision, reportedly based on an interpretation of a court ruling, drew criticism from opposition groups, which accused the commission of bias and called for Amupitan’s resignation.
Opposition leaders later submitted a formal letter demanding his removal, as allegations circulated online linking him to past statements perceived as supportive of President Bola Tinubu and the APC.
Under Section 157 of the Constitution, the removal of an INEC chairman requires presidential action supported by a two-thirds majority of the Senate on grounds of misconduct or inability to perform official duties.
Despite the growing calls, there is no indication that Tinubu will initiate the constitutional process for Amupitan’s removal. However, civil society groups have threatened mass action to press their demands.
In a statement issued by his media aide, Adedayo Oketola, Amupitan denied the allegations, describing them as “baseless” and “a fabrication.”
Public debate has continued over the alleged social media posts. An X user, Olusegun Onigbinde, questioned the commission’s response, calling for greater transparency and accountability.
Mamedu said screenshots circulating online appeared to show Amupitan engaging in partisan discussions before his appointment, including posts suggesting support for the APC. He expressed concern over INEC’s denial of ownership of the account, saying it raised further questions.
“While individuals are entitled to political opinions, these actions occurred within the immediate political environment of the 2023 elections,” he said, adding that such proximity has fueled concerns about perceived neutrality.
Oluwafemi, however, cautioned against premature conclusions, warning that calls for resignation without clear institutional breaches could undermine democratic stability.
He said demands by opposition groups, including the African Democratic Congress and the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria, if not carefully managed, risk setting a precedent where leadership of key institutions is influenced by public pressure rather than constitutional procedures.
