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Credible Elections Group Demands Amupitan’s Exit as Alleged Partisanship Sparks Crisis at INEC
Utomi, Falana, Ezekwesili and others demand INEC boss steps aside amid claims of political bias and digital footprint concerns.
The Movement for Credible Elections (MCE) has called for the resignation of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, over alleged political bias, warning that his continued stay in office undermines confidence ahead of the 2027 elections.
The group comprises prominent Nigerians including Dr Usman Bugaje, Femi Falana (SAN), Dr Oby Ezekwesili, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, Professor Pat Utomi, Hadjia Dr Bilikisu Magoro, and Ambassador Nkoyo Toyo.
In a statement on Sunday signed by its Media Coordinator, Comrade James Ezema, the MCE urged Amupitan to voluntarily step aside to enable an independent probe into the allegations.
It also called on the Federal Government to establish a neutral investigative panel made up of judges, forensic experts, and civil society representatives, while demanding protection for individuals speaking out.
“The integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process is at stake. At this critical juncture in the nation’s democratic evolution, the leadership of INEC must be beyond reproach,” the group said.
The organisation claimed that alleged digital traces linking the INEC Chairman to politically sympathetic statements toward the ruling APC had raised serious concerns about neutrality.
Although Professor Amupitan has denied the allegations, the group insisted that digital-era verification makes full scrutiny necessary.
“In this digital age, denial is not a defence—it is an invitation to forensic scrutiny,” it stated.
The MCE also warned that digital identity systems such as BVN and NIN, alongside platform logs, could be used to verify claims and cautioned against attempts to criminalise critics.
It further accused INEC of patterns that could disadvantage opposition parties, warning of risks to Nigeria’s democratic balance.
The group added that the matter could escalate internationally, including possible cases at the ECOWAS Court, with reputational consequences for Nigeria.
“The only honourable course is for the INEC Chairman to step aside and allow a transparent investigation,” it said.
“Nigeria stands at a democratic crossroads. The credibility of its electoral body is central to national stability and the legitimacy of governance.”
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