…to petition NJC over alleged malfeasance by judicial officers
Isaac Samuel
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) caucus in the House of Representatives has called for the prosecution and removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan, over alleged partiality and inconsistencies in the discharge of his duties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The lawmakers also disclosed plans to petition the National Judicial Council (NJC), seeking investigation and possible sanction of judicial officers accused of compromising their roles in politically sensitive cases.
Rising from its inaugural meeting held on Sunday, the caucus expressed concerns over what it described as the inability of the INEC chairman to guarantee a free, fair and credible electoral process.
Briefing journalists on behalf of his colleagues at the National Assembly on Monday, Rep Afam Ogene, alleged that recent public statements and actions linked to Amupitan suggest partisanship and conflict of interest, raising questions about his neutrality as the nation’s electoral umpire.
Central to the controversy are claims that the INEC chairman previously operated a personal X (formerly Twitter) account where he allegedly expressed support for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and made posts on sensitive national issues.
Although INEC has denied that the account belongs to him, the ADC caucus insisted that digital traces and online investigations point otherwise, thereby casting doubt on his credibility.
In view of these concerns, the caucus called for his immediate removal and prosecution, warning that failure to act could undermine public trust and plunge the country into undemocratic practices.
The lawmakers further accused INEC of interfering in the internal affairs of the ADC, particularly in the lingering leadership crisis within the party.
They alleged that the commission was recognising a faction they described as illegitimate, contrary to the leadership of David Mark, which they claimed had earlier been duly acknowledged by the electoral body.
According to the caucus, such actions amount to a breach of the Electoral Act, which bars courts from adjudicating on internal party matters, and prohibits interim orders in such disputes.
The lawmakers also raised alarm over what they described as collusion between certain officials within INEC and elements of the judiciary to influence the outcome of an ongoing case concerning the ADC’s leadership, scheduled for hearing on April 14, 2026.
Describing the situation as a threat to democratic governance, the caucus said it had resolved to escalate the matter by formally petitioning the NJC to investigate judges suspected of political bias, citing recent concerns raised by the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Afam Osigwe.
The NBA had, in recent remarks, warned against growing perceptions of judicial compromise, including allegations of politicians offering gifts to judges, noting that such practices erode public confidence in the justice system.
The ADC lawmakers warned that declining trust in both the electoral body and the judiciary could have grave consequences for Nigeria’s democracy if not urgently addressed.
They called on stakeholders, including civil society, the media and the legal community, to rise above partisan interests and work collectively to safeguard democratic institutions.
“INEC must not only be independent in name but must also demonstrate impartiality, transparency and credibility in its actions,” the caucus stated.
