The African Democratic Congress (ADC) Caucus in the House of Representatives has demanded the immediate prosecution of Professor Joash Amupitan, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), over allegations of partiality and inconsistencies that undermine the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process.
Briefing Journalist in Abuja following its inaugural meeting on Sunday, April 12, 2026, the leader of the Caucus, Rep. Afam Ogene raised concerns about Amupitan’s impartiality, accusing him of engaging in partisan actions that compromise his position as the nation’s electoral umpire.
Specifically, the Caucus referenced a controversial post made by Amupitan on his personal social media account, which expressed support for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and highlighted the issue of Christian genocide in Nigeria.
Although INEC denied that the account belonged to Amupitan, forensic analysis and digital investigations have suggested otherwise, raising questions about the Chairman’s transparency and integrity.
These revelations, the ADC Caucus argued, cast doubt on Amupitan’s ability to oversee the 2027 general elections in a fair and unbiased manner.Consequently, the Caucus has called for his removal from office and his prosecution to prevent the nation from descending into undemocratic practices.
The Caucus also accused INEC under Amupitan’s leadership of taking actions that appear to deliberately undermine the ADC, particularly by interfering in the party’s internal affairs.
The Caucus alleges that INEC has been recognizing an illegitimate faction within the party, despite an earlier affirmation of the leadership of Senator David Mark, who is recognized as the legitimate leader of the ADC.
This intervention, the Caucus claims, is part of a broader strategy to prevent the ADC from fielding candidates in the 2027 elections, a move they say is designed to manipulate the democratic process.
“This interference by INEC, in collusion with certain elements within the judiciary, constitutes a blatant attempt to deny the ADC its rightful place in the democratic process,” said the statement.
“By undermining the party’s internal leadership structure, INEC is facilitating a dangerous precedent where electoral authorities become complicit in blocking opposition voices from participating in elections.”In response to these developments, the ADC Caucus also announced plans to petition the National Judicial Council (NJC) over the alleged involvement of politically compromised judicial officers in these machinations.
The Caucus highlighted the growing perception of judicial corruption, exacerbated by the recent remarks of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) president, Afam Osigwe, SAN, who raised concerns over the apparent political patronage of judges. The ADC is calling for the investigation and removal of any judicial officers suspected of compromising their neutrality in favor of political interests.
“The judiciary is the last bastion of democracy, and any attempt to politicize it undermines the very foundation of our nation,” said the Caucus.
“We will not stand idly by while these institutions are hijacked for partisan gain.”The Caucus’ concerns are further compounded by the anticipated case concerning the ADC leadership on April 14, 2026, which they argue could be influenced by external pressures from INEC and politically motivated judicial decisions.
The ADC has invoked Section 83 (5) of the Electoral Act 2026, which bars courts from intervening in party internal matters, to challenge the ongoing interference in its affairs.In a poignant appeal, the ADC Caucus underscored the existential threat posed to Nigeria’s democracy if these actions go unchecked.
They called on all Nigerians regardless of political affiliation to unite in defense of the country’s democratic institutions, which they argue are increasingly under siege.”It is disheartening to witness a democracy under attack by the very institutions meant to safeguard it,” the statement concluded.
“The actions of INEC and some members of the judiciary threaten not only the ADC but the very future of democracy in Nigeria.
As representatives of the people, we are committed to ensuring that our country’s democracy remains free, fair, and inclusive for all.
” he added. The call for accountability, transparency, and a return to the core principles of democratic governance comes at a critical moment for Nigeria as it prepares for the 2027 elections, amid growing concerns about electoral fairness and integrity.
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