INEC Fires Back: Says Calls For Chairman’s Removal “Unconstitutional,” Clarifies Voter Revalidation Plan
In Nigeria’s often heated political climate, institutions are frequently tested, but for the electoral umpire, adherence to the rule of law remains its strongest shield.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has firmly dismissed calls for the removal of its Chairman, Joash Amupitan, SAN, describing the demands as unconstitutional and a dangerous distraction from its core mandate.
In a statement issued in Abuja, the Commission said its recent actions, particularly around internal disputes within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), were guided strictly by court rulings, not political pressure.
INEC stressed that under Section 157 of the Constitution, the Chairman’s appointment and removal follow a clearly defined legal process, warning that any attempt to sidestep this amounts to an assault on its independence.
Addressing concerns over its compliance with a Court of Appeal judgment, INEC said it acted to avoid a repeat of past electoral crises in states like Zamfara and Plateau, where disobedience to court orders led to the removal of elected officials.
It also clarified that recognising the David Mark-led faction of the ADC aligned with existing legal directives and preservative court orders.
On the contentious issue of voter revalidation, the Commission pushed back against claims of political bias, explaining that the exercise is a routine administrative audit, not a fresh registration.
According to INEC, the move is aimed at cleaning up Nigeria’s voter register by addressing multiple registrations, transfers, and records of deceased persons, thereby strengthening electoral integrity.
The Commission further highlighted its recent approval of three new political parties, bringing the total to 22, as proof of its commitment to deepening Nigeria’s multi-party democracy.
With preparations underway for the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections later this year, INEC reassured Nigerians of its neutrality, insisting it will not be distracted by what it termed “unfounded allegations.”
Reaffirming its stance, the Commission maintained that calls for the Chairman’s resignation are misplaced, vowing to continue delivering elections that are free, fair, and credible.
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