The caucus of the African Democratic Congress in the House of Representatives has called on President Bola Tinubu to immediately sack and prosecute the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof Joash Amupitan. This demand stems from allegations of partisanship that could compromise the 2027 general elections.

The caucus leader, Afam Ogene, announced the group's resolution following a meeting in Abuja. He stated that recent actions and alleged statements by Prof Amupitan have cast doubt on his ability to serve as a neutral umpire in electoral processes.

“The caucus raised concerns regarding the impartiality and neutrality of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof Joash Amupitan, to oversee a free, fair, and credible 2027 general elections,” Ogene said.

Concerns were amplified by public statements and actions attributed to the chairman, which the caucus deemed compromising and partisan. Specifically, it was alleged that Prof Amupitan made a partisan statement on his personal X account, expressing support for the ruling All Progressives Congress, and posted content alleging Christian genocide in Nigeria.

Although INEC has denied Prof Amupitan's ownership of the X account, digital forensic analysis and online investigations reportedly suggest the account is his, with the phone number used for its creation registered in his name. This has led to questions about his transparency, integrity, and trustworthiness in his critical role.

“In light of these inconsistencies and concerns regarding impartiality and integrity, the House caucus, on Monday, April 13, 2026, hereby calls for the removal of Prof Amupitan from office and advocates for his prosecution, to safeguard the nation against an avoidable descent into undemocratic practices,” Ogene added.

The demand follows a deepening leadership crisis within the ADC, which the caucus attributes to INEC's actions. The core of the dispute involves the removal of former Senate President David Mark as the recognised leader of the party.

INEC had previously acknowledged David Mark as the authentic leader of the ADC, a position supported by documentation including an affidavit from the commission. However, INEC's subsequent decision to withdraw this recognition, along with that of a rival faction, has intensified internal divisions and legal battles.

ADC lawmakers argue that INEC's intervention in what they consider an internal party matter has worsened the crisis, potentially preventing the party from fielding candidates in the upcoming elections.

“The caucus is gravely concerned about the ostensibly undemocratic action taken by INEC, under the leadership of Prof Amupitan, which appears to deny the ADC the opportunity to participate in the forthcoming elections,” the caucus stated.

They further alleged that the commission is recognizing an illegitimate leadership faction, contrary to the authentic leadership of Senator David Mark, which had been previously certified by INEC. The caucus also noted that credible information suggests collaboration between individuals within the judiciary and INEC to influence a case scheduled for Tuesday, April 14, 2026, concerning the ADC's leadership question.

Beyond INEC, the ADC caucus expressed concerns about alleged judicial interference in political matters. They warned of escalating responses if necessary and revealed plans to petition the National Judicial Council to investigate judges accused of partisan conduct, referencing recent remarks by Nigerian Bar Association President Afam Osigwe.

“We are vigilant and have concluded plans, on behalf of the Nigerian people, to submit a petition before the National Judicial Council to the effect that politically exposed judicial officers, as recently outlined by the NBA president, Afam Osigwe, SAN, be made to undergo investigations and possible removal from the Bench,” the caucus concluded.