INEC Rejects Calls for Chairman’s Removal, Defends Legal Compliance and Voter Revalidation Plan

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has firmly rejected mounting calls for the removal of its Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan (SAN), describing such demands as unconstitutional and misleading. In a detailed statement issued in Abuja, the INEC addressed growing public criticism tied to its decision to comply with a recent Court of Appeal judgment and its planned nationwide voter revalidation exercise.

INEC maintained that its actions are guided strictly by the Constitution and the rule of law, stressing that its leadership cannot be altered by political pressure or public agitation. The Commission also moved to dispel what it termed “widespread misconceptions,” reaffirming its neutrality and commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s electoral integrity.

Constitutional Backing and Judicial Compliance

INEC underscored that its existence, leadership structure, and operational procedures are firmly rooted in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). According to the INEC , the appointment and removal of its Chairman and National Commissioners are governed exclusively by constitutional provisions, particularly Section 157, leaving no room for arbitrary or politically motivated actions.

The Commission stressed that the Chairman does not serve at the pleasure of any political party or interest group, warning that calls for removal outside constitutional procedures represent a direct challenge to the independence of the electoral body. While acknowledging the rights of political actors to express dissenting opinions, INEC cautioned against actions capable of undermining democratic institutions.

Explaining its controversial decision to comply with a Court of Appeal ruling, INEC stated that adherence to judicial authority is not optional but mandatory. It cited previous incidents in Zamfara and Plateau states, where failure to obey court judgments led to the removal of elected officials, as a key lesson guiding its current approach. The Commission also referenced a preservative court order aimed at preventing actions that could disrupt ongoing Federal High Court proceedings.

INEC Neutrality, Party Affairs, and Electoral Integrity

Addressing allegations of partisanship, INEC reaffirmed its role as a neutral regulator rather than a participant in political contests. It dismissed claims of bias, pointing to the recent registration and recognition of additional political parties as evidence of its commitment to a multi-party democratic system. The Commission noted that Nigeria currently has 22 active political parties, reflecting its openness and fairness.

INEC also clarified its position on internal party disputes, particularly concerning factions within political organisations. It stated unequivocally that it would not intervene in such matters or allow itself to be used as a tool for resolving intra-party conflicts, emphasizing that such issues remain the responsibility of the parties themselves.

On the matter involving the David Mark-led faction of the African Democratic Congress, INEC explained that any form of monitoring or engagement would have violated an existing court order. The Commission highlighted that its earlier recognition of the faction’s executive committee occurred after due process and within the bounds of the law.

Voter Revalidation Exercise and Election Preparations

Turning to concerns about the planned voter revalidation exercise, INEC described the initiative as a routine administrative process aimed at improving the accuracy and credibility of the National Register of Voters. The Commission clarified that the exercise predates the tenure of the current Chairman and is not a fresh voter registration drive.

According to INEC, the revalidation process will help address longstanding issues such as duplicate registrations, voter transfers, and the removal of deceased individuals from the register. It assured Nigerians that the exercise would be conducted nationwide in phases, covering all Local Government Areas and polling units, with digital options introduced to enhance accessibility and efficiency.

The Commission further cautioned against politicising the exercise, stressing that it is not targeted at any region, demographic group, or political party. Instead, it is designed to strengthen the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral system ahead of upcoming elections.

INEC concluded by reaffirming its focus on the Ekiti State governorship election scheduled for June 2026 and the Osun State election in August 2026. It pledged to maintain “surgical precision” in its preparations and insisted that it would not be distracted by what it described as unfounded allegations of bias or collusion.

Reiterating its commitment to democratic principles, INEC maintained that all its decisions are grounded in due process, legal compliance, and the rule of law. The Commission described calls for the resignation of its Chairman as “out of place,” urging stakeholders to prioritise constitutional order and institutional stability over political sentiment.