Explosive Demand: ADC Reps Caucus Wants INEC Chairman Ousted Over Alleged Bias

The lawmakers made the call following their inaugural meeting on Sunday, April 12, 2026, where they reviewed recent political developments and raised concerns about the credibility of the electoral body.

In a resolution issued after the meeting, the caucus accused the INEC chairman of conduct and remarks they claimed were inconsistent with the neutrality expected of an electoral umpire.

They pointed to allegations that Amupitan previously managed a personal account allegedly used to express support for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and to share controversial posts relating to claims of Christian genocide in Nigeria.

Although INEC has denied any connection between the chairman and the account, the lawmakers insisted that online investigations suggested otherwise.

“The office of the INEC chairman is too critical to be tainted by allegations of partisanship,” the caucus said.

The lawmakers warned that failure to address the matter could erode public confidence and compromise the integrity of the 2027 general elections.

They further alleged that under Amupitan’s leadership, INEC had taken actions that could undermine the party’s chances in future polls, including what they described as interference in its internal affairs.

According to the caucus, the commission allegedly recognised a disputed faction within the ADC instead of the group led by former Senate President David Mark.

They argued that such actions contradict INEC’s constitutional mandate as an independent electoral body.

The lawmakers also accused some INEC officials of colluding with members of the judiciary in a bid to influence an ongoing case involving the party’s leadership crisis, scheduled for hearing on April 14, 2026.

Citing Section 83(5) of the Electoral Act 2026, they maintained that internal party disputes fall outside the jurisdiction of the courts and cautioned against what they termed judicial overreach.

They also vowed to petition the National Judicial Council over alleged misconduct and compromise by judicial officers.

Describing the situation as a threat to Nigeria’s democracy, the caucus urged citizens to defend democratic institutions irrespective of political affiliation.

They also expressed concern over what they called a decline in judicial integrity, referencing past eminent jurists such as Chukwudifu Oputa, Niki Tobi, Kayode Eso, and Mohammed Uwais as benchmarks for judicial independence.

The caucus insisted that INEC must not only be independent in principle but must also demonstrate transparency, impartiality, and credibility to restore public trust.