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The caucus of the African Democratic Congress in the House of Representatives has called on Bola Tinubu to sack and prosecute the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Joash Amupitan, over allegations of partisanship ahead of the 2027 elections.


The position was announced by caucus leader Afam Ogene, who said the group had serious concerns about the chairman’s neutrality.<br><br><br> “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,” Ogene said.<br><br><br>


“This follows recent public statements and actions by the chairman that have been deemed compromising, partisan, and conflicted." He alleged that Amupitan had previously made partisan comments on social media supporting the ruling party and shared controversial posts, raising questions about his integrity.<br><br><br>


“Although INEC has denied that Prof Amupitan is the owner of the X account in question, digital forensic analysis and other online investigations by various sources suggest that the account is indeed his,” he said, adding that the issue “has raised concerns regarding his transparency, integrity, and trustworthiness.<br><br><br> In light of these inconsistencies and concerns regarding impartiality and integrity… the House caucus… hereby calls for the removal of Prof Amupitan from office and advocates for his prosecution,” Ogene added.<br><br><br>


The caucus also linked the demand to an ongoing leadership crisis within the party, blaming INEC for worsening internal divisions following its decision to withdraw recognition of David Mark as ADC leader.


“The caucus is gravely concerned about the ostensibly undemocratic action taken by INEC… which appears to deny the ADC the opportunity to participate in the forthcoming elections,” Ogene said.<br><br><br> “This is being achieved through the perpetuation of a leadership crisis within the party… whereby INEC has abdicated its responsibility as an impartial arbiter and instead intervened in the party’s internal affairs.<br><br><br>”


He further alleged that the commission was recognising “an illegitimate leadership faction” and warned of possible interference involving judicial actors. “We note that the commission, in collusion with certain elements within the judiciary, is actively working to undermine the aspirations of the ADC,” he said, adding that there were concerns about attempts to influence a court case on the party’s leadership.<br><br><br>


The caucus said it would escalate the matter, including plans to petition the National Judicial Council over alleged judicial misconduct.<br><br><br> “We are vigilant and have concluded plans… to submit a petition… to ensure that politically exposed judicial officers… be made to undergo investigations and possible removal from the Bench,” Ogene stated.<br><br><br>
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