INEC addresses call for Amupitan’s removal, clarifies voter revalidation misconception

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reacted to calls for the removal of its Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan.

In a press release issued by the Chief Press Secretary Adedayo Oketola to the INEC Chairman and made available to Daily Sun on Thursday, the commission stated that any call for Amupitan’s removal outside the established constitutional process “is not only a distraction but a direct assault on the independence of the nation’s electoral umpire.”

INEC’s statement is in response to the African Democratic Party (ADC) demanding Amupitan’s removal while alleging a plot to impose a one-party state ahead of the 2027 elections.

Addressing ADC’s demand, INEC pointed out that its chairman does not hold office at the pleasure of any political party or interest group.

“While the Commission recognises the right of stakeholders to express their views, it is imperative to clarify that INEC is a creation of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“The appointment, tenure, and removal of the Chairman and National Commissioners are strictly governed by Section 157 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

“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 partly reads.

On its stance on the Appeal Court ruling on ADC leadership, INEC said, “While a political party or a group is allowed to protect their interest, the Commission decided to comply with the Judgment of the Court of Appeal to avert a situation that occurred in Zamfara State and Plateau State where elected officials were removed by the Election Tribunal on account of the disobedience of Court Judgment.

“In addition, the Commission did not want to disobey the preservative order of the court not to do anything or take any step that would render the processes already filed at the Federal High Court nugatory.

“Proceeding to monitor the congress and convention of the David Mark-led ADC would amount to a disobedience of that order since the relief claimed in the Originating Summons and other court processes filed include an order restraining INEC from monitoring any meeting, congress and convention of the party.

“Additionally, it was only on the 9th of September 2025 that INEC accepted and approved David Mark’s Exco, which was seven days after the matter was filed at the Federal High Court.

“The order to maintain status quo ante bellum means the position of the parties before the beginning of hostilities.

“It is either that INEC obey the order of the Court of Appeal fully or refuse to obey it. Section 287(2) of the Constitution of Nigeria, 1999 mandates every person and authority in Nigeria not only to obey the Judgment of the Court of Appeal but also to enforce such Judgment.

“Far from undermining the multi-party system, the Commission under Professor Joash O. Amupitan, SAN, has actively expanded the democratic space.”

Furthermore, the commission clarified the misconceptions surrounding the scheduled voter revalidation exercise, disclosing that it is aimed at confirming the status of registered voters.

“The Commission also noticed an attempt to politicise the planned nationwide Voter Revalidation exercise.

“The decision to revalidate the Voters Register pre-dates the appointment of Professor Amupitan.

“The proposed nationwide voter revalidation exercise is a professional necessity to strengthen the integrity of the National Register of Voters.

“The current register includes data spanning from 2011 to 2024. This exercise is designed to sanitise the register and is to be executed in phases.

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“The revalidation is intended to confirm the status of registered voters, address issues arising from transfers, multiple registrations and deceased persons, and enhance the reliability of voter data in Nigeria.

“It is an administrative audit, not a fresh registration. It is not targeted at any region, party, or demographic.

“It is a uniform, transparent process that will be conducted across all Local Government Areas and Polling Units, with robust digital options for ease of access. All the stakeholders will be carried along on this issue,” INEC added.