The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has rejected demands for the removal of its Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, calling such calls a distraction and an attack on the independence of the electoral body. In a statement issued Thursday by Adedayo Oketola, Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman, INEC defended its compliance with a Court of Appeal judgment in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) leadership dispute. The commission stated that its actions followed constitutional mandates, particularly Section 287(2), which requires all authorities to obey and enforce appellate court decisions. It cited the 1999 Constitution (as amended), specifically Section 157, as the sole basis for the appointment, tenure, and removal of its chairman and national commissioners.
INEC explained that its decision to comply with the court order was to prevent a repeat of situations in Zamfara and Plateau States, where elected officials lost their positions due to non-compliance with judicial rulings. The commission emphasized that it acted in line with a preservative court order that barred it from interfering in internal party affairs. It denied bias, noting the recent registration of new political parties has increased the total number of active parties to 22. INEC stressed that updates to party leadership records are based solely on court orders and the Electoral Act 2026. The commission clarified that the upcoming nationwide voter revalidation is an administrative audit, not a fresh registration, aimed at verifying voter status and removing duplicates or deceased registrants. The exercise will be conducted digitally and across all local government areas. INEC reaffirmed its commitment to the off-cycle governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun States, set for June and August 2026.
Prof. Joash Amupitan's refusal to bow to political pressure sets a rare precedent in Nigeria's election management history. By grounding its actions strictly in court orders and constitutional provisions, INEC has drawn a line between judicial compliance and political manipulation. This stance may make it harder for parties to weaponize the commission against internal rivals. For Nigerian voters, it signals a possible shift toward institutional autonomy, even if only in principle.
