BREAKING: Federal Lawmakers Tell Tinubu to Sack, Prosecute INEC Chairman Amupitan Over X Account Controversy
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Federal lawmakers under the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) have formally called on President Bola Tinubu to remove the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, from office over an alleged controversy involving a partisan đť•Ź (formerly Twitter) account linked to him.
The demand was made on Monday by the leader of the ADC caucus in the House of Representatives, Hon. Afam Ogene, who cited concerns about the electoral umpire’s neutrality ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Case Against Amupitan
Addressing journalists, Ogene outlined a series of allegations that he said have compromised the INEC chairman’s ability to oversee a credible electoral process.
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“The caucus raised concerns regarding the impartiality and neutrality of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, to oversee free, fair, and credible 2027 general elections,” Ogene stated.
“This follows recent public statements and actions by the chairman that have been deemed compromising, partisan, and conflicted.”
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The lawmaker specifically referenced a controversial social media account that a recent fact-check by Daily Trust linked to Amupitan, assigning it a “mostly true” rating.
“It has been alleged that he previously made a partisan statement on his personal X account, wherein he expressed support for the ruling All Progressives Congress. Additionally, he has been accused of posting content alleging Christian genocide in Nigeria.”
Forensic Evidence Cited Despite INEC Denial
Ogene dismissed INEC’s official denial that Amupitan owns the account, pointing instead to digital forensic findings that suggest otherwise.
“Although INEC has denied that Prof. Amupitan is the owner of the X account in question, digital forensic analysis and other online investigations by various sources suggest that the account is indeed his and that the phone number used to create it is registered in his name,” Ogene said.
He added: “This has raised concerns regarding his transparency, integrity, and trustworthiness, particularly given the critical nature of the office he holds, which has far-reaching implications for the nation.”
The Demand: Sack and Prosecute
The ADC caucus made its position unequivocal, calling not only for Amupitan’s removal but also for his prosecution.
“In light of these inconsistencies and concerns regarding impartiality and integrity, the House caucus, on Monday, April 13, 2026, hereby calls for the removal of Prof. Amupitan from office and advocates for his prosecution in order to safeguard the nation against an avoidable descent into undemocratic practices.”
The ADC Leadership Crisis Connection
The lawmakers linked their demand to the ongoing leadership crisis within the ADC, accusing INEC of worsening internal divisions through partisan intervention.
The dispute centres on the removal of former Senate President David Mark as the recognised leader of the party. The caucus said Mark had previously been acknowledged by INEC as the authentic leader, but the commission later withdrew that recognition and allegedly backed a rival faction led by Nafiu Bala.
“The caucus is gravely concerned about the ostensibly undemocratic action taken by INEC, under the leadership of Prof. Amupitan, which appears to deny the ADC the opportunity to participate in forthcoming elections,” Ogene said.
“This is being achieved through the perpetuation of a leadership crisis within the party, whereby INEC has abdicated its responsibility as an impartial arbiter and instead intervened in the party’s internal affairs.”
He further alleged: “Specifically, the commission appears to be recognising an illegitimate leadership faction, contrary to the authentic leadership of Senator David Mark, which had previously been acknowledged and certified by INEC itself, having met the requisite criteria, as evidenced by a recent affidavit issued by the commission.”
Allegations of Judicial Collusion
In a striking allegation, the caucus claimed there is credible information suggesting collusion between INEC and certain judicial figures to influence the outcome of a pending case regarding the ADC leadership.
“We note that the commission, in collusion with certain elements within the judiciary, is actively working to undermine the aspirations of the ADC, thereby preventing the party from fielding candidates in forthcoming elections through duplicitous means that obstruct inclusivity within the democratic process,” Ogene alleged.
He added: “In fact, credible information at our disposal suggests that certain individuals within the judiciary and INEC are collaborating to influence the outcome of a case scheduled for Tuesday, April 14, 2026, regarding the leadership question in the ADC, potentially impacting the recognition of a discredited faction.”
What Next?
The ADC caucus’s demand represents the most direct legislative call for the INEC chairman’s removal since the X account controversy emerged.
With the ADC national convention scheduled for Tuesday and a court case on the leadership question looming, the coming days are likely to determine not only the future of Prof. Amupitan but also which faction controls the party’s machinery ahead of the 2027 elections.
The presidency has yet to respond to the demand.
Further updates will follow as reactions emerge from the presidency, INEC, and the rival ADC factions.
