Welcome

Tag: Joash Amupitan

  • INEC Chair Amupitan Speaks on ‘Divine Conviction’ After Appointment Amid Neutrality Concerns

    Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, has said he only accepted the role after receiving what he described as a “clear divine conviction,” even as questions over his neutrality continue to trail his leadership.

    ‘I would have declined’

    Amupitan spoke in Abuja during an end-of-tenure service organised by the Nigerian Baptist Convention for its outgoing president, Israel Akanji, and his wife, Victoria.

    According to him, the decision to lead Nigeria’s electoral body was not taken lightly.

    “If I did not have the conviction for this job, I would not accept it,” he said.

    He added that he drew strength from what he described as a direct assurance from God before taking up the position.

    “The Lord said, ‘Fear not; do not be dismayed. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will uphold you.’ I heard this clearly before I accepted this job,” Amupitan stated.

    Faith amid pressure

    The INEC chairman said that conviction has remained central to his leadership, especially given the complexity of managing elections in Nigeria.

    “No matter the storm, no matter the difficulty, God is able to calm every storm. That is what God has been doing,” he said.

    He also urged Nigerians to pray for the electoral body ahead of the 2027 general election, expressing confidence that the polls could set a new standard.

    “Continue to pray for Nigeria… that the 2027 election will be the best ever,” he said, adding that success would require divine support.

    Controversy over neutrality

    Amupitan’s remarks come against the backdrop of ongoing scrutiny over his perceived political neutrality.

    He was appointed by President Bola Tinubu in October 2025 to succeed former INEC chairman Mahmood Yakubu.

    Since then, resurfaced social media posts allegedly linked to him have sparked allegations of sympathy for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) during the 2023 elections.

    The claims have triggered calls from opposition figures and civil society groups for his resignation.

    Denial and pushback

    Amupitan has denied operating the account linked to the posts and insisted he remains politically neutral.

    INEC has also dismissed the allegations, describing them as attempts to discredit its leadership.

    Despite the denials, the controversy has continued to shape public discourse around electoral credibility, voter confidence, and the integrity of the commission ahead of 2027.

    The development remains a key talking point in latest Nigerian news and breaking news Nigeria today as attention shifts to preparations for the next general election.

     

  • Jibrin Ibrahim Raises Fresh Alarm, Accuses INEC Chair Amupitan of Bias

    Senior Fellow at the Centre for Democracy and Development, Prof. Jibrin Ibrahim, has accused the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, of acting with bias, warning that recent developments could weaken trust in Nigeria’s electoral system ahead of future polls.

    Fresh claims against INEC leadership

    Speaking during a television interview, Ibrahim said early actions under the current INEC chairman suggest a pattern that raises questions about neutrality.

    He noted that although Amupitan is newly appointed, some of the commission’s decisions have already drawn concern from observers.

    “Targeting opposition without basis”

    Ibrahim alleged that certain moves by the electoral body appear to be directed at a major opposition party without clear legal justification.

    “This indicates we have a partisan person, who has come to do the job of his master,” he said.

    “He had partisan opinions in the last election and showed that partisanship openly on X.”

    He added that several legal experts have also questioned the basis of some decisions taken by the commission.

    Why this matters

    According to Ibrahim, perceived bias from INEC could damage public confidence in elections, especially as political activities begin to build toward 2027.

    He warned that trust in the electoral umpire remains a key pillar for credible elections.

    What this means going forward

    The remarks add to ongoing conversations around electoral transparency and accountability in Nigeria.

    As scrutiny of institutions increases, stakeholders say maintaining neutrality will be critical in shaping public perception of future elections.