By Mercy Peter
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has firmly dismissed calls for the removal of its Chairman, Professor Joash O. Amupitan, describing such demands as unconstitutional and a threat to the independence of Nigeria’s electoral system.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday, the Commission responded to criticisms from political actors who accused it of partisanship following its decision to comply with a recent judgment of the Court of Appeal.
INEC stressed that the appointment and removal of its leadership are governed strictly by the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, particularly Section 157. The Commission underscored that its Chairman does not serve at the discretion of any political party or interest group.
According to the statement, “any call for removal outside the established constitutional process is not only a distraction but a direct assault on the independence of the nation’s electoral umpire.”
The Commission maintained that while stakeholders are entitled to express their views, such expressions must align with constitutional boundaries.
INEC defended its decision to comply fully with judicial directives, noting that disobedience of court rulings has historically led to severe political consequences. It referenced past electoral crises in Zamfara State and Plateau State, where elected officials lost their mandates due to non-compliance with court orders.
The Commission clarified that its refusal to monitor certain activities of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), particularly those linked to a faction led by David Mark, was based on a subsisting court order. The order restrained INEC from recognising or monitoring party congresses and conventions pending the resolution of legal disputes.
INEC explained that proceeding otherwise would have violated a preservative order issued by the court, which mandated all parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum—effectively preserving conditions prior to the legal dispute.
the Commission highlighted its role in expanding Nigeria’s democratic landscape. It cited the recent registration of new political parties, including the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA), Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), and National Democratic Party (NDP).
These additions bring the total number of recognised political parties in Nigeria to 22, which INEC described as “an empirical rebuttal” to claims of political bias or centralisation.
INEC also addressed growing concerns over its proposed nationwide voter revalidation exercise, dismissing claims of political motives.
The Commission explained that the exercise is a routine administrative audit designed to enhance the integrity of the National Register of Voters.
The register, which currently contains data accumulated between 2011 and 2024, requires periodic updates to address issues such as duplicate registrations, voter transfers, and deceased persons.
INEC emphasised that the revalidation is not a fresh registration exercise but a verification process to confirm existing voter data. It assured Nigerians that the exercise would be conducted transparently across all polling units and local government areas, with digital options to facilitate participation.
The Commission reiterated its commitment to preparations for the upcoming off-cycle governorship elections in Ekiti State (June 2026) and Osun State (August 2026).
It stated that its operations would continue with “surgical precision,” warning that it would not be distracted by what it described as unfounded allegations of bias or collusion.
Reaffirming its neutrality, INEC stated that its decisions are guided strictly by the rule of law and existing legal frameworks, including the Electoral Act 2026.
“The Commission will not be drawn into internal party conflicts or serve as a proxy for resolving political disputes,” the statement noted, adding that ongoing legal matters related to party leadership are already before the courts for accelerated hearing.
INEC concluded by reiterating its commitment to delivering free, fair, credible, and inclusive elections, insisting that calls for the resignation of its Chairman are “out of place” and lack constitutional merit.
