The Movement for Credible Elections (MCE), alongside civil society leaders, has called on the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Ojo Amupitan, to step aside over allegations of partisanship, warning that he has lost the credibility required to oversee the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the group said its demand was driven by concerns over Nigeria’s electoral integrity and a growing crisis of confidence in the leadership of the electoral body.
The MCE cited recent developments involving alleged digital footprints linking the INEC chairman to partisan expressions in support of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Although Amupitan has denied the allegations, the group argued that such denials were insufficient in the face of evolving digital forensic capabilities.
According to the statement, the controversy has heightened public suspicion, with claims that online data trails could be traced through personal identifiers and financial systems subject to regulatory verification.
The group further warned that the situation could escalate into legal complications, noting that digital evidence tied to identity systems such as BVN and NIN, as well as device-level access logs maintained by digital platforms, could become subject to judicial scrutiny.
It added that any legal proceedings arising from the matter could pose serious professional and constitutional risks.
Beyond the immediate allegations, the MCE expressed concern over what it described as a pattern of bias in INEC’s operations, including claims of selective enforcement of electoral regulations and administrative inconsistencies perceived to disadvantage opposition parties.
The organisation cautioned that these developments could undermine Nigeria’s multi-party democracy and fuel fears of a drift toward a one-party system.
It also raised concerns about possible international implications, warning that aggrieved parties could seek redress at regional bodies such as the ECOWAS Court of Justice, potentially exposing Nigeria to reputational damage and legal liabilities.
On the ethical front, the MCE said the alleged digital expressions attributed to Amupitan, if verified, would raise serious questions about his neutrality as an electoral umpire and the integrity of his appointment.
The group, therefore, demanded that the INEC chairman step aside to allow for an independent and transparent investigation. It also called on the Federal Government to establish an impartial panel comprising judicial authorities, digital forensic experts, and civil society representatives to probe the allegations.
Additionally, the MCE urged authorities to halt any form of intimidation or harassment against individuals raising concerns and called on INEC to undertake reforms aimed at restoring public trust.
Describing the situation as a defining moment for Nigeria’s democracy, the group stressed that the credibility of the electoral body must not be compromised.
“The issue has gone beyond personal denial to a broader question of national trust,” the statement said, adding that stepping aside would be the most honourable course of action pending the outcome of investigations.