The caucus of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the House of Representatives has called on President Bola Tinubu to immediately sack and prosecute the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Joash Amupitan, over allegations of partisanship ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The position of the caucus was made public on Monday by its leader, Afam Ogene, who read the resolution following a meeting of the group in Abuja.

Ogene said recent actions and alleged statements attributed to Amupitan had cast doubt on his ability to serve as a neutral umpire.

“The caucus raised concerns regarding the impartiality and neutrality of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof Joash Amupitan, to oversee a free, fair, and credible 2027 general elections.

“This follows recent public statements and actions by the chairman that have been deemed compromising, partisan, and conflicted.

“It has been alleged that he previously made a partisan statement on his personal X account, wherein he expressed support for the ruling All Progressives Congress.

“Additionally, he has been accused of posting content alleging Christian genocide in Nigeria.

“Although INEC has denied that Prof Amupitan is the owner of the X account in question, digital forensic analysis and other online investigations by various sources suggest that the account is indeed his and that the phone number used to create it is registered in his name.

“This has raised concerns regarding his transparency, integrity, and trustworthiness, particularly given the critical nature of the office he holds, which will have far-reaching implications for the nation,” Ogene said.

He added that, “In light of these inconsistencies and concerns regarding impartiality and integrity, the House caucus, on Monday, April 13, 2026, hereby calls for the removal of Prof Amupitan from office and advocates for his prosecution, to safeguard the nation against an avoidable descent into undemocratic practices.”

The latest demand comes against the backdrop of a deepening leadership crisis within the ADC, which the caucus blames squarely on INEC’s actions.

At the centre of the dispute is the removal of former Senate President, David Mark, as the recognised leader of the party. Mark had previously been acknowledged by INEC as the authentic leader of the ADC after meeting the required legal and administrative conditions, a position the party said was backed by documentation, including an affidavit issued by the commission.

However, INEC’s subsequent decision to withdraw that recognition alongside that of a rival faction, led by Nafiu Bala, triggered internal divisions, legal battles, and uncertainty over the party’s structure ahead of the 2027 elections.

ADC lawmakers argued that the commission’s intervention in what they described as an internal party matter had worsened the crisis and could ultimately prevent the party from fielding candidates.

“The caucus is gravely concerned about the ostensibly undemocratic action taken by INEC, under the leadership of Prof Amupitan, which appears to deny the ADC the opportunity to participate in the forthcoming elections.

“This is being achieved through the perpetuation of a leadership crisis within the party, whereby INEC has abdicated its responsibility as an impartial arbiter and instead intervened in the party’s internal affairs.

“Specifically, the commission seems to be recognising an illegitimate leadership faction, contrary to the authentic leadership of Senator David Mark, which had previously been acknowledged and certified by INEC itself, having met the requisite criteria, as evidenced by a recent affidavit issued by the commission.

“We note that the commission, in collusion with certain elements within the judiciary, is actively working to undermine the aspirations of the ADC, thereby preventing the party from fielding candidates in the forthcoming elections, through duplicitous means that serve to obstruct inclusivity within the democratic process.

“In fact, credible information at our disposal suggests that certain individuals within the judiciary and INEC are collaborating to influence the outcome of a case coming up on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, regarding the leadership question in the ADC, potentially impacting the recognition of a discredited faction,” Ogene added.

Beyond INEC, the caucus also raised concerns about alleged judicial interference in political matters, warning that it would escalate its response if necessary.

It said plans were underway to petition the National Judicial Council to investigate judges accused of partisan conduct, referencing recent remarks by Nigerian Bar Association President, Afam Osigwe.

“We are vigilant and have concluded plans, on behalf of the Nigerian people, to submit a petition before the National Judicial Council to the effect that politically exposed judicial officers, as recently outlined by the NBA president, Afam Osigwe, SAN, be made to undergo investigations and possible removal from the Bench,” the caucus concluded (The PUNCH)

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