2027: ADC Lawmakers Demand Removal, Prosecution Of INEC Chairman

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) caucus in the House of Representatives has called for the removal from office and prosecution of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan.

The caucus raised concerns over Amupitan’s impartiality and neutrality to oversee free, fair, and credible 2027 general elections, following alleged recent public statements and actions deemed compromising, partisan, and conflicted.

The lawmakers reached this decision after their inaugural meeting held on Sunday to review political developments in the country.

Briefing journalists on Monday in Abuja, Chairman of the ADC caucus, Hon. Afam Ogene, said the call was based on perceived inconsistencies and concerns regarding the impartiality and integrity of the INEC boss.

Ogene said it had been alleged that Amupitan previously made partisan statements on a personal X account, where he reportedly expressed support for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He added that the account had also posted content alleging Christian genocide in Nigeria.

The lawmaker noted that although INEC denied that Amupitan owns the X account in question, digital forensic analyses and other online investigations by various sources suggest that the account belongs to him and that the phone number used to create it is registered in his name.

He said this raises serious concerns about transparency, integrity, and trustworthiness, particularly given the sensitive nature of the office he occupies.

“In light of these inconsistencies and concerns regarding impartiality and integrity, the House caucus, on Monday, April 13, 2026, hereby calls for the removal of Prof. Amupitan from office and advocates his prosecution in order to safeguard the nation against an avoidable descent into undemocratic practices.

“The caucus is gravely concerned about the ostensibly undemocratic actions taken by INEC under Amupitan’s leadership, which appear to deny the ADC the opportunity to participate in forthcoming elections. This is allegedly 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.

“Specifically, the commission appears to be recognizing an illegitimate leadership faction, contrary to the authentic leadership of Senator David Mark, which had previously been acknowledged and certified by INEC after meeting the requisite criteria, as evidenced by a recent affidavit issued by the commission,” he said.

Ogene noted that the commission, in collusion with certain elements within the judiciary, is allegedly working to undermine the aspirations of the ADC by preventing the party from fielding candidates in forthcoming elections through actions that hinder inclusivity in the democratic process.

“In fact, credible information at our disposal suggests that certain individuals within the judiciary and INEC are collaborating to influence the outcome of a case scheduled for Tuesday, April 14, 2026, regarding the leadership dispute in the ADC, potentially affecting the recognition of a discredited faction.

“Section 83(5) of the Electoral Act 2026 clearly prohibits any court from entertaining cases concerning party congresses. It states: ‘No court in Nigeria shall entertain jurisdiction over any suit or matter pertaining to the internal affairs of a political party,’” he added.

Ogene further disclosed that the caucus has concluded plans to submit a petition to the National Judicial Council (NJC) concerning politically exposed judicial officers, in line with recent remarks by the Nigerian Bar Association president, Afam Osigwe (SAN), calling for investigations and possible disciplinary action.

“As the ADC caucus in the House of Representatives, we are compelled to act in response to what we consider an existential threat to our democracy. With critical segments of society—including the Nigerian Bar Association, civil society, the media, and citizens—losing faith in the judiciary and electoral authorities, it is imperative for Nigerians to rise above partisan interests and prioritize rescuing our democracy.

“It is disheartening that even during the military era, when laws often contained ouster clauses, the judiciary still produced eminent jurists such as Chukwudifu Oputa, Niki Tobi, Kayode Eso, and Mohammed Uwais, who delivered sound judgments despite authoritarian rule.

“We can only surmise that these revered jurists would be deeply concerned by the current trend of questionable judgments, conflicting interim orders, and apparent judicial overreach.

“We align with the position of the NBA president, who recently warned about the growing perception of judges as beneficiaries of political patronage, noting that it erodes public trust in the justice system. He also decried the practice of politicians gifting cars to judges, saying it compromises their neutrality and undermines the judiciary,” he added.

End.