The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed calls for the removal of its Chairman, insisting that such demands are unconstitutional and undermine the independence of the electoral body.
In a statement issued on 2 April 2026 in Abuja, the Commission said recent allegations of partisan bias by some political actors were misplaced and failed to recognise its constitutional mandate.
INEC emphasised that the appointment, tenure and removal of its Chairman are governed strictly by Section 157 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), noting that the office does not operate at the discretion of any political party or interest group.
The Commission stated that calls for the removal of its Chairman, Joash O. Amupitan, outside the constitutional process amount to a direct attack on the independence of Nigeria’s electoral system.
It explained that its decision to comply with a recent Court of Appeal judgment was guided by the need to uphold the rule of law and avoid a repeat of situations witnessed in Zamfara and Plateau states, where elected officials lost their positions due to disobedience of court orders.
According to INEC, it also acted in line with a preservative court order restraining it from taking steps that could render ongoing proceedings at the Federal High Court ineffective, particularly regarding internal disputes within the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The Commission maintained that monitoring activities of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) under the leadership of David Mark would have constituted a violation of court directives.
INEC further rejected claims of promoting a one-party system, noting that it had recently registered additional political parties, bringing the total number of active parties in the country to 22.
On the issue of voter revalidation, the Commission clarified that the exercise is a routine administrative process aimed at strengthening the integrity of the National Register of Voters, rather than a fresh registration exercise.
It explained that the revalidation would address challenges such as multiple registrations, transfers and records of deceased persons, while improving the accuracy of voter data nationwide.
INEC stressed that the exercise is not targeted at any region, political party or demographic group, and would be conducted transparently across all local government areas and polling units, with digital options to enhance accessibility.
The Commission also stated that it remains focused on preparations for the upcoming off-cycle governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states scheduled for June and August 2026 respectively.
Reaffirming its commitment to credible elections, INEC said its decisions are guided by the Constitution, the Electoral Act 2026, and the rule of law, urging stakeholders to refrain from unfounded allegations capable of eroding public trust.
It concluded that calls for the resignation of its Chairman are unwarranted, reiterating its resolve to deliver free, fair, credible and inclusive elections for all Nigerians.
