The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Thursday dismissed calls for the removal of its Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, describing such demands as a distraction and an attack on the independence of the electoral body.
In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman, Adedayo Oketola, the commission said calls by some political actors for the chairman’s removal, following INEC’s compliance with a Court of Appeal judgment, were unconstitutional and unwarranted.
“The Chairman does not hold office at the pleasure of any political party or interest group. Any call for removal outside the established constitutional process is not only a distraction but a direct assault on the independence of the nation’s electoral umpire,” the statement read.
INEC stressed that its actions were strictly guided by the Constitution, noting that the appointment, tenure, and removal of its Chairman and National Commissioners are governed by Section 157 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
The commission explained that its decision to comply with the Court of Appeal ruling in the ongoing African Democratic Congress (ADC) leadership dispute was to prevent a recurrence of past incidents in Zamfara and Plateau states, where elected officials lost their positions due to disobedience of court orders.
According to INEC, adherence to the judgment was necessary to uphold the rule of law and avoid legal consequences that could arise from non-compliance.
“It is either that INEC obeys the order of the Court of Appeal fully or refuses to obey it. Section 287(2) of the Constitution mandates every person and authority in Nigeria not only to obey the judgment of the Court of Appeal but also to enforce such judgment,” the commission stated.
Responding to allegations of bias, INEC maintained that it remains neutral and committed to strengthening Nigeria’s democratic space. It highlighted its role in registering new political parties, bringing the total number of active parties in the country to 22.
The commission further clarified that updates to party leadership records were based solely on compliance with subsisting court orders and provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.
“INEC will not be drawn into the internal disputes of political parties, nor allow itself to be used as a proxy to resolve organisational challenges that are the responsibility of the parties,” it added.
On the planned nationwide voter revalidation exercise, INEC described it as a routine administrative process aimed at improving the integrity of the National Register of Voters.
The commission explained that the exercise would help verify registered voters, address issues such as multiple registrations, transfers, and deceased persons, and enhance the credibility of voter data.
“It is an administrative audit, not a fresh registration, and it is not targeted at any region, party, or demographic,” INEC clarified, adding that the process would be conducted across all local government areas and polling units, with digital options provided for ease of access.
INEC also reaffirmed its focus on preparations for the upcoming off-cycle governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states, scheduled for June and August 2026 respectively.
Reiterating its commitment to credible elections, the commission stated that it would not be distracted by unfounded allegations of bias or collusion, emphasizing that its loyalty remains to the Constitution and the will of the Nigerian people.
The electoral body concluded that calls for the resignation of its chairman were misplaced and not grounded in constitutional provisions.
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