Group Accuses INEC Chair Of Improper Intervention In PDP, SDP

Opposition Watch Nigeria (OWN) has accused the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, of “improper interference in the internal affairs of Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).”

The group, in a statement by its spokesperson, Aisha Bello, alleged that  INEC under Amupitan’s watch, took sides in disputes within opposition parties.

The group however insisted that the chairman’s resignation is the only way to restore confidence in the Commission and ensure a level playing field for upcoming elections.

Bello said in the SDP Crisis, The Supreme Court repeatedly reprimanded INEC for unwarranted meddling in the party’s internal leadership and nomination processes, describing such actions as a gross overreach of the Commission’s constitutional mandate.

She also added that in the PDP’s internal disputes, conflicting recognitions of leadership groups and questionable invitations to meetings have fueled perceptions of selective interference.

The group further alleged these moves are strategically aimed at weakening opposition structures ahead of future electoral cycles.

“INEC’s role is to regulate and monitor elections, not to act as an arbiter or impose decisions on the internal governance of political parties,” the statement read.

“By repeatedly overstepping its bounds, despite clear judicial pronouncements affirming party autonomy, the current leadership has compromised its neutrality and eroded public trust in the electoral process.”

Aisha Bello emphasized that such conduct risks tilting the political playing field in favor of the ruling party, stifling genuine multiparty competition, and paving the way for a slide toward authoritarianism.

OWN noted that impartiality is fundamental to credible elections and that any perception of bias threatens the very integrity of Nigeria’s democracy.

“Opposition parties like the SDP, PDP, and others deserve to resolve their internal matters in accordance with their own constitutions, free from external dictation by INEC,” OWN stated.

“The Chairman’s continued tenure under these circumstances is untenable and poses a clear and present danger to free and fair elections.”

OWN urged all lovers of democracy, civil society organizations, the media, and the international community to join the demand for accountability.

“Patriots must resist any attempt to weaponize state institutions against opposition voices. Nigeria’s democracy cannot afford an umpire perceived as playing for one side,” the statement said.