Amupitan: Integrity, Evidence Are Key, Says SDP’s Adebayo On Alleged Partisanship By INEC Chair

The 2023 presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Adewole Adebayo, has weighed in on the controversy surrounding alleged partisan social media activities linked to the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, stressing that integrity and verifiable evidence must guide public judgement.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s current affairs programme, ‘Sunday Politics’, Adebayo drew parallels with the impeachment of former U. President Bill Clinton, noting that the issue in such cases is often not the alleged act itself but the question of truthfulness.

“Bill Clinton was impeached not because of the relationship, but because he lied under oath,” Adebayo said. “So, if an account is traced to Professor Amupitan and he denies it, then it raises questions about integrity. But if he admits it and clarifies his independence, people may still disagree, but at least he would have been truthful.”

Adebayo emphasised that allegations must be proven “beyond reasonable doubt,” adding that any determination of wrongdoing must be made by constitutionally recognised institutions.

“Those alleging that it was his account must prove it. And where do you prove it? Before an institution,” he said. “Under the law, the National Assembly is one such institution. If he denies ownership and forensic evidence later proves otherwise, then consequences could follow—not necessarily for the post itself, but for misleading the public.”

LEADERSHIP reports that the embattled INEC chairman has been under scrutiny lately following reports that a social media account linked to him posted messages perceived as supportive of President Bola Tinubu during the 2023 elections prior to his appointment as INEC boss.

However, Amupitan, on Friday, denied ownership of the account or authoring the posts, insisting he was not affiliated with any political party and has never worked for one.

Despite the denial, the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) called for his immediate resignation, alleging that attempts to erase the digital footprint suggested a “dangerous cover-up” that could undermine the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral system.

The party had earlier raised concerns about what it described as a broader attempt to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general election.

Adebayo, while noting that he had previously opposed Amupitan’s appointment, acknowledged the constitutional process that led to his emergence as INEC chairman.

“Even though I’m in the opposition, I said at the time that I would not have appointed him. But the Constitution gives the President that power,” he said. “He went through the Council of State and the National Assembly, although I did raise concerns about the speed of his clearance.”

He, however, cautioned against rushing to conclusions, citing the possibility of digital manipulation.

“Speaking now, I am not convinced that Prof. Amupitan owns that account. I know enough about digital manipulation to say it is possible that it is not his,” Adebayo added.