By 𝔸bdulrazak Tomiwa

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is demanding the immediate resignation of Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

This demand follows allegations that he posted pro-President Bola Tinubu tweets during the 2023 election cycle.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, issued a statement accusing the INEC chairman of partisanship. The ADC claims that digital evidence shows Amupitan’s past support for the ruling party, which they argue compromises his neutrality as an electoral umpire.

Further controversy arose from claims that there have been attempts to delete the digital trail of these tweets. The ADC described this as a “dangerous cover-up” and a “calculated assault on truth” intended to hide the chairman’s previous political leanings.

Although Prof. Amupitan denied owning the account or the posts, stating he has never been affiliated with any political party, the ADC remains unconvinced. They argue that an umpire must not only be independent but must also be clearly seen as such.

The opposition party likened the situation to a football referee wearing the jersey of one of the competing teams.

They insist that allowing him to remain in office sets a dangerous precedent for Nigeria’s democracy and the 2027 general elections.

As part of their escalation, the ADC announced plans to update their formal petitions regarding the matter. These documents will be submitted to the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and various foreign governments to highlight the alleged integrity crisis.

The party maintains that the sacred duty of conducting free and fair elections requires a leader who is above suspicion. They concluded that anything less than Amupitan’s resignation would be an insult to the Nigerian people and the mandate they hold.