Alleged partisanship: Utomi, Falana, others demand INEC chair Amupitan’s resignation
By Henry Umoru
ABUJA — The Movement for Credible Elections (MCE) is calling for the immediate resignation of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), citing allegations of partisanship that they claim compromise his ability to oversee the 2027 general elections.
The MCE, which includes notable figures such as Dr. Usman Bugaje, Barrister Femi Falana (SAN), Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, Professor Pat Utomi, Hadjia Dr. Bilikisu Magoro, and Ambassador Nkoyo Toyo, emphasized that the integrity of the electoral body must be upheld.
In a statement released on Sunday by Media Coordinator Comrade James Ezema, the group urged Amupitan to step down to facilitate an independent investigation into the allegations leveled against him. They also requested that the Federal Government form a neutral panel, comprising judicial officers, digital forensic experts, and civil society members, to thoroughly examine the claims, while calling for an end to intimidation of those raising concerns.
“The integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process is at stake,” the statement read. “At this critical juncture in the nation’s democratic evolution, the leadership of INEC must be beyond reproach.”
The MCE pointed to recent reports suggesting digital footprints that link Amupitan to partisan communications aligning with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as a trigger for a crisis of confidence in INEC’s leadership.
While Amupitan has denied the allegations, the MCE argued that such denials are insufficient in a landscape where advanced digital forensics are prevalent. “In this digital age, denial is not a defense—it is an invitation to forensic scrutiny,” the statement noted.
The group warned that the situation could develop into a legal crisis, given the traceability of digital identities through mechanisms like the Bank Verification Number (BVN) and National Identification Number (NIN). They criticized any attempts to suppress public scrutiny as misuse of state power, potentially eroding public trust.
Furthermore, the MCE highlighted concerns over what they described as INEC’s pattern of decisions that may undermine opposition participation, noting instances of selective enforcement of electoral regulations. This trend, they warned, could threaten Nigeria’s constitutional democracy by steering the country toward a de facto one-party state.
The group also addressed potential international ramifications, suggesting that aggrieved parties might pursue justice through regional bodies such as the ECOWAS Court, which could lead to reputational damage and sanctions against Nigeria.
If proven, the allegations against Amupitan raise significant ethical questions regarding his neutrality and suitability for the role. The MCE firmly stated, “The only honorable course is for the INEC Chairman to step aside and allow a transparent investigation.”
“Nigeria stands at a democratic crossroads. The credibility of its electoral body is crucial to national stability and the legitimacy of governance.”
