INEC Chair Amupitan faces resignation calls over partisanship allegations, credibility crisis

Six months into his appointment as INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan faces mounting pressure to resign from opposition parties and civil society groups demanding accountability over perceived partisanship. Critics point to his 2020 legal brief alleging Christian genocide in Nigeria—which resurfaced after his appointment and was criticized for anti-Muslim slant—and his social media history showing support for the ruling APC and criticism of opposition figures during the 2023 election cycle.

The controversy intensified when Amupitan reportedly restricted or renamed his Twitter/X account after scrutiny increased, though he publicly denies ownership of the account. His digital footprint, traceable to 2006, includes content suggesting partisan leanings that opponents claim proves Tinubu did not appoint a neutral electoral umpire. This comes amid additional controversy from a Court of Appeal ruling involving the African Democratic Congress, where INEC's actions have been questioned.

Opposition groups argue these issues undermine public trust in Nigeria's electoral process and call on the National Assembly to initiate a forensic probe into Amupitan's conduct, emphasizing that while INEC is independent, it remains accountable. With Senator Godswill Akpabio leading the National Assembly—described by critics as unlikely to take serious action—many Nigerians wonder whether they can trust the upcoming electoral processes under his leadership.

Will the National Assembly heed calls for accountability and investigate these allegations, or will Amupitan remain in office despite growing concerns about his impartiality affecting future elections?

SOURCE: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/opinion/872397-amupitans-yanga-wakes-trouble-by-azu-ishiekwene.html