The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fired back at political actors calling for the removal of its Chairman, Professor Joash O. Amupitan, SAN, describing such demands as a “direct assault” on the independence of the electoral body.

INEC In a press statement released on Thursday, maintained that the Chairman’s tenure is protected by the Constitution and that his recent actions—which have drawn fire from various political quarters—were strictly dictated by the rule of law.

The controversy stems from INEC’s decision to comply with a recent Court of Appeal judgment regarding leadership disputes within political parties, specifically the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Adedayo Oketola, Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman, clarified that the Commission’s refusal to monitor congresses led by David Mark’s faction of the ADC was not an act of bias, but a mandatory adherence to a “status quo ante bellum” order.

“The Chairman does not hold office at the pleasure of any political party or interest group,” the statement read, citing Section 157 of the 1999 Constitution. The Commission warned that ignoring court directives could lead to a repeat of previous legal disasters in Zamfara and Plateau States, where elected officials were sacked due to procedural disobedience.

To counter allegations that it is secretly pushing a “one-party agenda,” the Commission pointed to the recent registration of three new political parties:

Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA)

Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC)

National Democratic Party (NDP)

With these additions, the total number of active political parties in Nigeria now stands at 22.

Addressing the growing friction over the planned nationwide Voter Revalidation exercise, INEC insisted the move is a “professional necessity.” The Commission explained that the current register contains data nearly 15 years old (2011–2024) and requires a surgical cleanup to remove deceased voters and duplicate entries.

“It is an administrative audit, not a fresh registration,” Oketola stated, dismissing claims that the exercise targets specific regions or demographics. He assured the public that the process would be transparent and utilize digital options for ease of access.

Despite the political storm in Abuja, the Commission stated its focus remains on the “surgical precision” required for the upcoming off-cycle governorship elections:

Ekiti State: June 2026

Osun State: August 2026

The statement concluded by reaffirming Professor Amupitan’s commitment to his role, declaring that calls for his resignation are “out of place” and that the Commission’s only allegiance remains to the Nigerian people and the Constitution.