The circulating claim that Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, the newly appointed Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), was a member of the legal team defending Tinubu’s victory has been debunked publicly by Babatunde Ogala, SAN, the former Coordinator of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Legal Team during the 2023 presidential election tribunal.
Ogala described these allegations as false and malicious fabrications, designed to create tension and undermine public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process. In an official statement released on Wednesday, he emphasized that Prof. Amupitan never participated in the legal proceedings nor was involved at any stage as counsel or advisor to the Tinubu legal team.
The former coordinator further clarified that the legal team officially engaged for President Tinubu consisted of over 123 legal practitioners, including 60 Senior Advocates of Nigeria, but Prof. Amupitan’s name was not on any formal roster. He challenged those spreading misinformation to provide verifiable evidence to substantiate their claims and noted that certified true copies of the tribunal and Supreme Court legal processes are publicly accessible for verification.
Ogala called for a responsible and truthful discourse that prioritizes national stability and eschews divisive falsehoods. He reaffirmed his commitment to justice, transparency, and the strengthening of Nigeria’s democratic institutions, urging citizens and media to reject unsubstantiated narratives.
The appointment of Prof. Amupitan as INEC Chairman remains a constitutional prerogative lawfully endorsed by the Council of State, with expectation for Senate confirmation. This clarification seeks to uphold public trust in the electoral system amidst political sensitivities
