The Movement for Credible Elections has called for the immediate resignation of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, over allegations of partisanship, warning that his continued stay in office could undermine confidence in the 2027 general elections.
The group, comprising notable figures including Prof. Pat Utomi, human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), Dr Oby Ezekwesili, Dr Usman Bugaje, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, Dr Bilikisu Magoro and Ambassador Nkoyo Toyo, said the credibility of the electoral umpire must be safeguarded at all times.
In a statement issued on Sunday by its Media Coordinator, James Ezema, the group urged Amupitan to step aside to enable a transparent and independent probe into the allegations levelled against him.
It also called on the Federal Government to set up a neutral investigative panel made up of judicial officers, digital forensic experts and civil society actors to ascertain the facts, while cautioning against any form of intimidation of citizens expressing concerns.
“The integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process must not be compromised,” the statement read. “At this crucial point in the country’s democratic journey, the leadership of INEC must be above suspicion.”
The group said recent claims, including alleged digital traces linking the INEC chairman to partisan views favouring the ruling All Progressives Congress, had heightened public distrust in the commission.
While noting that Amupitan had denied the allegations, the group maintained that such denials were insufficient in the face of evolving digital verification tools, stressing the need for a thorough investigation.
“In today’s digital environment, denials only reinforce the need for proper forensic examination,” it stated.
The MCE warned that the controversy could degenerate into a legal dispute, pointing to the traceability of digital identities through systems such as the Bank Verification Number and National Identification Number, as well as platform-based access logs.
It further criticised what it described as attempts to criminalise public scrutiny, saying threats against critics could erode trust in democratic institutions.
The group also expressed concern over what it termed a pattern of actions by the commission that could limit opposition participation, including alleged selective application of electoral rules.
According to the group, such developments could tilt the country towards a one-party system, contrary to democratic principles.
It added that unresolved grievances could be taken to international bodies, including the ECOWAS Court, potentially exposing Nigeria to reputational risks.
The group insisted that the allegations, if established, raise serious ethical concerns about the neutrality of the INEC chairman.
“The appropriate step is for the INEC chairman to vacate office pending a credible investigation,” it added.
“Nigeria’s democracy is at a critical stage, and the credibility of its electoral body remains vital to national stability.”
