Call for Amupitan’s Removal Unconstitutional, Says INEC

Call for Amupitan’s Removal Unconstitutional, Says INEC

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed calls for the removal of its Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, describing such demands as unconstitutional and a threat to the independence of the electoral body.

In a statement issued on Thursday by the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Adedayo Oketola, the commission said the agitation by some political actors followed its decision to comply with a recent Court of Appeal judgment, which it insisted was in line with the law.

The commission noted that while stakeholders have the right to express their views, the appointment and removal of its leadership are clearly defined by the Constitution and cannot be dictated by political interests.

“The Chairman does not hold office at the pleasure of any political party or interest group. Any call for removal outside the established constitutional process is not only a distraction but a direct assault on the independence of the nation’s electoral umpire,” the statement said.

INEC explained that its decision regarding the leadership dispute within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) was guided strictly by court orders. It said it acted to avoid a repeat of past incidents in Zamfara State and Plateau State where electoral outcomes were upturned due to non-compliance with judicial rulings.

The commission stated that proceeding to monitor activities of the faction led by David Mark would have violated a subsisting court order restraining it from doing so, adding that it was bound by law to maintain the status quo pending the resolution of the case before a Federal High Court.

Citing constitutional provisions, INEC emphasised that it had no discretion in obeying judgments of superior courts.

“It is either that INEC obey the order of the Court of Appeal fully or refuse to obey it,” the statement noted, referencing Section 287(2) of the Constitution which mandates compliance with court decisions.

The commission also rejected allegations that its actions undermine Nigeria’s multi-party system, pointing to the recent registration of new political parties, including the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), the National Democratic Party (NDP), and the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA), bringing the total number of recognised parties to 22.

INEC maintained that it remains a neutral regulator and would not be drawn into internal disputes within political parties.

On the planned nationwide voter revalidation exercise, the commission dismissed claims of political bias, explaining that the exercise predates the current leadership and is aimed at strengthening the integrity of the voters’ register.

According to the statement, the revalidation would address issues such as multiple registrations, transfers, and the removal of deceased persons from the database, stressing that it is “an administrative audit, not a fresh registration” and will be conducted uniformly across the country.

INEC added that it is currently focused on preparations for the upcoming off-cycle governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states, and would not be distracted by what it described as unfounded allegations.

Reaffirming its commitment to credible elections, the commission said its decisions are guided by the rule of law and designed to ensure transparency and fairness in the electoral process.

“The call for the resignation of Professor Amupitan is therefore out of place,” the statement concluded.