The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has issued a stern warning to the newly approved Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, urging him to demonstrate unwavering loyalty to Nigerians and not to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The warning comes on the heels of the unanimous approval of Professor Amupitan by the National Council of State (NCS) to fill the vacancy left by the departed Professor Mahmood Yakubu. The ADC emphasized the critical need for absolute impartiality from the new electoral chief as Nigeria heads toward the 2027 general elections.
Allegiance Must Be to the Constitution
The ADC’s core message focused on demanding political neutrality from Amupitan, a vital element in restoring faith in the electoral body.
The ADC’s National Publicity Secretary reportedly stated that Professor Amupitan’s allegiance must be “solely to the Constitution and the Nigerian people, not the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).”
The opposition party stressed that the incoming INEC Chairman must immediately work to restore credibility and demonstrate independence, especially given the controversies that have historically surrounded the commission and its relationship with the ruling party.
The party called on Professor Amupitan to leverage his professional reputation to address concerns over electoral malpractices and ensure a level playing field for all political actors ahead of the next polls. Amupitan, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and Professor of Law, is expected to assume office following his final confirmation by the Senate.
