The African Democratic Congress (ADC) caucus in the House of Representatives urged President Bola Tinubu on Monday, April 13 2026, to dismiss and prosecute INEC Chairman Prof Joash Amupitan. The demand was announced by ADC leader Afam Ogene, who read a resolution in Abuja after a caucus meeting. Ogene said recent statements and alleged posts by Amupitan "have cast doubt on his ability to serve as a neutral umpire." He quoted the caucus: "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." He added, "This follows recent public statements and actions by the chairman that have been deemed compromising, partisan, and conflicted."
The resolution cited an alleged partisan comment on Amupitan's personal X account supporting the ruling All Progressives Congress and accusations that the same account posted material claiming a Christian genocide in Nigeria. Although INEC denied ownership, "digital forensic analysis and other online investigations by various sources suggest that the account is indeed his and that the phone number used to create it is registered in his name."
Ogene concluded, "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, to safeguard the nation against an avoidable descent into undemocratic practices."
The ADC also blamed INEC for deepening its internal leadership crisis, noting the commission's reversal of recognition for former Senate President David Mark as the party's authentic leader and the subsequent endorsement of a rival faction led by Nafiu Bala. The caucus warned that INEC's actions "are actively working to undermine the aspirations of the ADC, thereby preventing the party from fielding candidates in the forthcoming elections." It announced plans to petition the National Judicial Council to investigate judges accused of partisan conduct, referencing remarks by Nigerian Bar Association President Afam Osigwe.
Afam Ogene's call to sack INEC chairman Prof Joash Amupitan places the ADC's internal turmoil at the centre of a broader contest over electoral credibility ahead of the 2027 polls. By linking Amupitan's alleged partisan X posts to the commission's reversal of David Mark's leadership recognition, the caucus frames the issue as a direct threat to the party's ability to contest elections.
The episode reflects a growing perception that INEC's interventions are no longer confined to technical oversight but extend into partisan maneuvering. The withdrawal of INEC's earlier affidavit confirming Mark's leadership, followed by the endorsement of a rival faction, has already sparked legal battles and heightened uncertainty within the ADC. Such actions risk eroding confidence in the electoral body at a time when Nigeria's democratic institutions are already under strain.
For ordinary Nigerians, especially ADC supporters in the South‑East, the dispute could translate into reduced ballot options and diminished representation in the forthcoming elections. If the party cannot field candidates, its voter base may be forced to align with other parties, reshaping local political dynamics and potentially marginalising communities that traditionally back the ADC.
The controversy adds to a pattern of heightened scrutiny of INEC's impartiality, echoing earlier criticisms over social‑media conduct and perceived bias. Repeated challenges to the commission's neutrality may prompt calls for systemic reforms, influencing how future elections are administered and how political parties engage with the electoral authority.
