TDThe Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially acknowledges a petition seeking the sack or resignation of its chairman, Joash Amupitan
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has formally petitioned the electoral umpire demanding the immediate removal or voluntary resignation of Amupitan.
ADC cited allegations of partisan conduct, constitutional breaches, and threats to Nigeria’s multi‑party democracy as basis for the petition.
The petition was formally submitted to INEC headquarters in Abuja by the party’s National Secretary, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.
Aregbesola was accompanied by senior officials and representatives of the party’s youth and women wings.
The submission was done in a public manner, with copies distributed to journalists to underscore the seriousness of the demand.
INEC’s Response
INEC acknowledged receipt of the petition and confirmed that it would review the allegations in line with its constitutional mandate.
A spokesperson for the Commission stated that INEC “takes seriously any petition that touches on the integrity of its leadership and processes”.
He promised that the matter would be referred to the appropriate committee for consideration.
However, the Commission emphasized that due process would be followed and that any decision regarding the chairman’s position would be made in accordance with the law.
An observer, Dickson, @Dickson13555, however, questioned the rationale of submitting a petition to the target respondent.
Why the Demand Against Amupitan Was Made
The ADC’s petition accuses Chairman Joash Amupitan of:
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Partisan Conduct:
Allegedly favoring certain political parties in recent electoral decisions and public statements, thereby undermining INEC’s neutrality.
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Constitutional Breaches:
The party claims Amupitan has acted outside the provisions of the Electoral Act and the Nigerian Constitution.
It cited matters relating to party registration, candidate clearance, and election monitoring.
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Threats to Multi‑party Democracy:
ADC argues that Amupitan’s actions, if unchecked, could erode confidence in Nigeria’s democratic system.
It accused Amupitan of marginalizing smaller parties and entrenching a two‑party dominance, contrary to the spirit of inclusivity enshrined in the Constitution.
Chief Nwosu, in remarks accompanying the petition, declared: “Nigeria’s democracy cannot survive if the electoral umpire becomes an interested party.
“We demand accountability, fairness, and respect for the rule of law. Chairman Amupitan has lost the moral authority to continue in office.”
State of Affairs in ADC
The ADC itself has been grappling with internal challenges in recent months, including factional disputes and defections to larger parties.
However, the leadership insists that its current action is not about internal politics but about safeguarding democracy.
The party has positioned itself as a defender of smaller parties’ rights, arguing that INEC’s leadership must be impartial to ensure fair competition.
Despite internal strains, ADC has continued to participate actively in national discourse.
It continues to field candidates in state and federal elections and advocate reforms to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral system.
The petition against Amupitan is seen as part of the party’s broader strategy to assert its relevance and champion democratic accountability.
Broader Implications for INEC, Amupitan
Political analysts note that the ADC’s move could intensify scrutiny of INEC’s leadership at a time when public trust in electoral institutions remains fragile.
The demand for Amupitan’s removal may also embolden other parties to raise similar concerns, potentially triggering a wider debate about electoral reforms and the independence of INEC.
Civil society organizations have called for transparency in handling the petition.
They urge INEC to publish its findings and ensure that any decision taken reflects the will of the people.
Meanwhile, supporters of Amupitan argue that the petition is politically motivated and aimed at destabilizing the Commission ahead of upcoming elections.
The ADC’s petition marks a significant escalation in tensions between political parties and Nigeria’s electoral body.
Whether INEC chooses to investigate thoroughly or dismiss the allegations waits to be seen.
Meanwhile, the controversy underscores the delicate balance between maintaining institutional credibility and navigating Nigeria’s complex political landscape.
For now, all eyes remain on INEC as it weighs the future of its embattled chairman.
