INEC Dismisses Resignation Calls for Chairman Amupitan, Cites Constitutional Independence

On Thursday night, INEC dismissed calls for the resignation of its Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan (SAN), describing such demands as an unconstitutional attack on the commission's independence. This followed the African Democratic Congress (ADC) accusing INEC of partisanship and undermining democracy at a press conference on Friday.

The commission stated that the Chairman's tenure is strictly governed by law, not political interests, and any removal calls outside constitutional process are an assault on electoral independence. INEC explained its compliance with a recent Court of Appeal ruling to avoid past issues where elected officials were removed after disobeying court orders in Zamfara and Plateau States.

Rejecting allegations of undermining the multi-party system, INEC cited the recent recognition of three new political parties—Democratic Leadership Alliance, Nigeria Democratic Congress, and National Democratic Party—bringing the total to 22 active parties. "INEC remains a neutral regulator, not a participant in political competition," it stressed.

INEC also clarified that the nationwide voter revalidation exercise, spanning all Local Government Areas and Polling Units, is administrative and predates Amupitan's appointment. It aims to clean the voter register by verifying status, eliminating multiple registrations, and removing deceased voters, with digital options included.

With off-cycle elections in Ekiti (June 2026) and Osun (August 2026) approaching, INEC warned against politicizing administrative decisions and reaffirmed its allegiance to the Constitution.

ADC's allegations include INEC defying a Court of Appeal ruling in a party dispute and the Tinubu administration weakening opposition parties ahead of 2027.

This standoff raises questions about electoral integrity. How do you view INEC's defense—as upholding constitutional independence or avoiding accountability? And what might this mean for Nigeria's democratic health as we head toward 2027?

SOURCE: https://www.channelstv.com/2026/04/02/inec-rejects-call-for-amupitans-resignation/