Members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) caucus in the House of Representatives demanded Monday the ouster and criminal prosecution of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman Joash Amupitan, accusing him of partisan bias that threatens the credibility of next year’s general elections.
NewsQuest reports that the call came after the caucus’s inaugural meeting Sunday, where lawmakers decried what they called a “dangerous pattern of inconsistency and bias” at INEC.
“We have lost confidence in the current INEC leadership to conduct a free, fair, and credible election,” the group said in a statement.
“The umpire must not only be neutral but must be seen to be neutral.”
Caucus Chairman Victor Ogene, speaking at a news briefing in Abuja, pointed to an X account allegedly linked to Professor Amupitan that promoted the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and spread divisive claims, including allegations of Christian genocide in Nigeria.
INEC has denied the account belongs to the chairman. But the caucus cited “digital footprints and independent investigations” suggesting otherwise, raising “serious questions about integrity and transparency.”
The dispute extends to INEC’s alleged meddling in an ADC leadership fight involving a faction tied to former Senate President David Mark.
Lawmakers accused the commission of recognizing an “illegitimate faction,” violating its role as an impartial arbiter.
They further alleged coordination with judicial figures to sway a related court case set for April 14.
Citing Section 83(5) of the Electoral Act 2026—which bars courts from intervening in party internal matters—the caucus vowed to petition the National Judicial Council (NJC).
Our correspondent gathered that the move echoes recent warnings from the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President Afam Osigwe about judges’ perceived political patronage.
“Nigeria cannot afford an electoral process anchored on doubt, suspicion, and contested credibility,” the lawmakers warned.
“That is a recipe for chaos” that could undermine the 2027 vote’s legitimacy and investor confidence in Africa’s largest economy.
The caucus invoked past judicial icons—Chukwudifu Oputa, Niki Tobi, Kayode Eso, and Mohammed Uwais—to decry the current system’s drift.
“If these institutions fail, then democracy itself is in peril,” they said.
