Prof. Joash Amupitan, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has dismissed allegations questioning his political neutrality. The allegations arose after claims that his phone number was associated with a controversial account on X, formerly Twitter. Amupitan insisted that he had never owned or operated an account on a social media platform. An independent forensic examination was conducted to investigate the claims, and the matter was referred to the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Inspector-General of Police for further investigation.
Amupitan addressed concerns about his previous involvement in politically sensitive court cases and whether such engagements could affect his impartiality as electoral umpire. He explained that his participation in those matters was strictly based on his professional responsibilities as a lawyer before assuming office. Amupitan reaffirmed his commitment to upholding the country's Constitution and electoral laws, insisting that his decisions as INEC chairman would not be influenced by political interests. He emphasized that his loyalty is solely to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Electoral Act.
The INEC chairman also addressed allegations of irregularities in the national voter register. Reports claimed that the number of registered voters in a ward in Ebonyi State had increased by 85 per cent. Amupitan said INEC had looked into the complaint and taken steps to resolve the matter in accordance with the provisions of the law. The Electoral Act gives Nigerians the right to raise objections, submit claims, and request certified true copies of the voter register as part of measures to promote transparency and accountability in the electoral process.
Amupitan urged young Nigerians to become actively involved in shaping the country's political future. He stressed that the responsibility of building a better Nigeria rests partly on the younger generation. Amupitan warned that the circulation of false information and digital disinformation could weaken public confidence in democratic institutions. He advised citizens to verify information before acting on it or sharing it, and allow the democracy the opportunity to succeed.
The INEC chairman made these remarks at a high-level event hosted by Chatham House in London in collaboration with the Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI). The event provided a platform for Amupitan to address concerns and allegations surrounding his person and the electoral commission. He reiterated his commitment to upholding the Constitution and electoral laws, ensuring that INEC's decisions remain impartial and unbiased.
Amupitan emphasized that every constitutional institution, including the Presidency, the National Assembly, and state governors, owes its primary loyalty to the Constitution and the rule of law. He encouraged Nigerians to participate in the electoral process, citing the importance of youth participation in democracy. The 2027 general elections are scheduled to take place in two phases, beginning with the Presidential and National Assembly elections on January 16, 2027.
The Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will subsequently take place on February 6, 2027. Amupitan's address aimed to alleviate concerns about INEC's impartiality and commitment to free and fair elections. The electoral commission chairman's efforts to promote transparency and accountability in the electoral process are crucial to maintaining public trust in the institution.
Key points
- INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan denies allegations of bias and clarifies ownership of X account.
- Amupitan addresses allegations of irregularities in the national voter register.
- The INEC chairman urges young Nigerians to participate in shaping the country's political future.
