Prof Joash Amupitan, chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has denied involvement in any plan to establish a one-party state in Nigeria. He made the statement on Friday during an interview on Arise Television, which was monitored by DAILY POST. The clarification followed INEC's decision to delist the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Amupitan emphasized that the commission did not act unilaterally, saying, "Let me state very clearly that I'm not a part of anyone's plan to turn Nigeria into a one-party state." He questioned public skepticism, adding, "If this judgment didn't come, would I decide on my own?" The chairman pointed to social media commentators, suggesting their criticisms were driven by personal interests. He maintained that the legal process, not INEC alone, shaped the outcome now drawing backlash.
Amupitan's public distancing from a one-party state agenda reveals the growing pressure on INEC to appear neutral amid controversial party decisions. His reference to a court judgment behind the ADC leadership delisting shifts responsibility away from the commission, but Nigerians are not convinced. When the chairman feels the need to personally deny plotting to undermine multiparty democracy, it signals a deeper crisis of trust in the electoral body. This moment does not change the political landscape — it exposes how fragile faith in INEC has become.
