By Peace Udugba -The daily torch media
Paul Ibe, media aide to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has called for the immediate resignation or removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, over allegations of partisanship.
In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, Ibe accused the electoral chief of harbouring sympathies for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), citing what he described as resurfaced social media posts allegedly linked to the INEC chairman.
“INEC Chairman Prof Joash Amupitan is more than a teacher and practitioner of law; it is evidently clear that he is also a closet sympathiser of the ruling APC. He needs to resign immediately or be sacked!” Ibe wrote.
The demand comes amid growing controversy surrounding claims that past comments attributed to Amupitan suggest political alignment with the APC, raising concerns among opposition figures about the neutrality of the electoral body ahead of future elections.
Responding to the allegations, Amupitan, through his spokesperson Adedayo Oketola, issued a rebuttal on Friday, dismissing claims that the INEC chairman is a supporter of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to the statement, Amupitan “does not own or operate any personal account on X. He has at no time engaged in partisan commentary, nor has he ever associated himself with any political leaning or activity in his private or public capacity.”
The development adds to a series of recent criticisms by opposition figures questioning the independence of the commission. Ibe had earlier alleged undue influence from the presidency in INEC-related matters, further intensifying the political debate over the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process.
INEC, constitutionally mandated to conduct free and fair elections, has repeatedly maintained its independence. However, such accusations from high-profile political aides are likely to heighten scrutiny as Nigeria moves closer to the 2027 general elections.
