Professor Joash Amupitan, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has rejected claims that the electoral body is involved in a scheme to establish a one-party state in Nigeria dominated by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He made the statement on Friday during an interview with Arise Television, which was monitored by LEADERSHIP. Amupitan emphasized that INEC remains committed to conducting free, fair, and credible elections in line with its constitutional mandate. He described the allegations as unfounded and stressed that the commission operates independently of political influence. "I am not part of any plan to turn Nigeria into a one-party state," Amupitan said. He pointed to INEC's efforts in accrediting party agents, publishing election results in real time, and engaging stakeholders as proof of its transparency. The chairman also highlighted ongoing voter education initiatives and logistical preparations for upcoming elections.
Amupitan's public denial of involvement in a one-party agenda suggests such whispers have gained enough traction to threaten INEC's credibility. When the chairman of a critical institution feels compelled to issue a personal rebuttal on television, it reflects growing public distrust in electoral neutrality. His statement does not erase the perception that electoral outcomes in recent years have followed a script too convenient for the ruling party. For Nigerian voters, the real test remains whether INEC's actions in the next election match its words today.
