Call for Leadership Change at INEC Amid Allegations of Bias
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) caucus is urging the removal and prosecution of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) chairman Professor Joash Ampitane. This demand stems from serious allegations of bias that could jeopardize the integrity of Nigeria’s general elections slated for 2027.
During a press conference held on Monday at the National Assembly, following their initial meeting on April 12, 2026, the caucus articulated its stance after carefully assessing recent political developments in Nigeria. They expressed mounting concerns regarding the efficacy of the nation’s democratic institutions.
Lawmakers characterized the current situation as an “existential threat to democracy.” They voiced alarm over a perceived erosion of neutrality among election officials and indicated a troubling trend of judicial compromise, which undermines the foundational principles of electoral fairness.
The caucus underlined that “recent public statements and actions…are considered compromising, partisan and contradictory,” casting doubt on Professor Ampitane’s ability to lead a fair and transparent electoral process in 2027. They pointed to allegations indicating that the INEC chairman has expressed partisan opinions on social media, including support for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and posts suggesting genocide against Christians in Nigeria.
Although INEC has denied that Professor Ampitane operates the social media account in question, the caucus asserts that digital investigations suggest otherwise. They highlighted that this discrepancy raises significant concerns about the professor’s transparency, integrity, and credibility, particularly given the sensitive nature of his role.
In light of these issues, the caucus formally called for Professor Ampitane’s removal and prosecution, emphasizing that such actions are imperative to avert a regression into undemocratic practices. The lawmakers also cited interference from INEC in the internal affairs of the ADC, particularly concerning the party’s leadership struggles, accusing the commission of failing to act as an impartial arbiter and instead favoring a faction led by Senator David Mark.
Furthermore, the caucus expressed apprehension about an alleged collusion between specific elements within INEC and the judiciary, claiming that such alliances threaten to undermine the ADC’s future electoral opportunities. They revealed that credible information indicates coordinated efforts to sway the outcome of a significant legal case scheduled for April 14, 2026, which raises urgent concerns about judicial independence and the neutrality essential for a fair electoral process.
The caucus referenced the 2026 Elections Act, asserting that Nigerian courts lack jurisdiction over matters related to the internal affairs of political parties. They warned that INEC’s actions could potentially contravene this legal framework. In response, the ADC intends to escalate the issue to the National Judicial Council to investigate the implicated judicial personnel and seek appropriate sanctions.
The lawmakers reiterated their commitment to safeguarding democratic institutions at a time when public trust in electoral and judicial authorities is waning. They lamented the deterioration of judicial standards, recalling that even during Nigeria’s military regime, the judiciary was home to respected jurists who delivered insightful rulings. They expressed concern that current trends indicate a disturbing departure from those standards.
In alignment with views expressed by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), the caucus condemned the increasing instances of judicial compromise and political patronage that undermine judicial integrity. They stressed the urgent need for adequate institutional funding to uphold the independence of the judiciary, reinforcing that INEC must exemplify not only formal independence but also unwavering impartiality, transparency, and trustworthiness.
