The African Democratic Congress (ADC) caucus in the House of Representatives has called for the immediate removal and prosecution of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, over allegations of bias, partisanship, and misconduct in office.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Monday, the caucus leader and lawmaker representing Ogbaru Federal Constituency of Anambra State, Afam Ogene, said the decision was reached during the group’s inaugural meeting held on Sunday in the Federal Capital Territory.
Ogene, who was accompanied by other caucus members, alleged that the INEC chairman’s actions and public conduct had fallen short of the neutrality required of the head of the nation’s electoral body, insisting that his continued stay in office could undermine the credibility of future elections, including the 2027 general polls.
He further dismissed INEC’s denial of claims that Prof. Amupitan operated a personal account on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) allegedly used to engage in partisan commentary. According to him, “digital forensic analysis and other online investigations” had reportedly validated the allegations.
The caucus warned that failure to address the controversy could erode public confidence in the electoral system and threaten democratic stability.
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“The caucus raised concerns regarding the impartiality and neutrality of the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Professor Joash Amupitan, to oversee free, fair, and credible 2027 general elections,” Ogene said.
“In light of these inconsistencies and concerns regarding impartiality and integrity, the caucus, on Monday, 13th April 2026, hereby calls for the removal of Professor Amupitan from office and advocates for his prosecution, to safeguard the nation against an avoidable descent into undemocratic practices.”
The lawmakers also criticised INEC’s reported derecognition of a faction of the ADC leadership said to be aligned with former Senate President David Mark, describing the action as “undemocratic” and politically motivated.
Ogene accused the electoral body of interfering in the party’s internal affairs, alleging that INEC had shifted from its role as an impartial arbiter to one that was effectively “recognising an illegitimate leadership faction.”
He argued that such actions contradicted previous acknowledgements allegedly made by INEC regarding the party’s authentic leadership structure, which he said had met all legal requirements.
The caucus further announced plans to petition the National Judicial Council (NJC), alleging concerns about possible judicial interference in the internal affairs of the ADC.
Ogene warned that declining public trust in both the judiciary and electoral institutions poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s democratic system, stressing that INEC must demonstrate not only independence in principle but also impartiality, transparency, and credibility in practice.
“INEC must not only be independent in name but also demonstrate impartiality, transparency, credibility, and trustworthiness in its actions; however, current public perception suggests a disconnect from these ideals,” he added.