The Movement for Credible Elections (MCE) has called for the immediate resignation of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, over allegations of partisanship, warning that his continued stay in office could undermine preparations for the 2027 general elections.
The group includes notable figures such as Professor Pat Utomi, Barrister Femi Falana, Dr Oby Ezekwesili, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, Dr Usman Bugaje, Hadjia Bilikisu Magoro, and Ambassador Nkoyo Toyo, among others.
In a statement issued on Sunday by its Media Coordinator, Comrade James Ezema, the group urged Amupitan to step aside to allow for an independent investigation into allegations suggesting partisan leanings toward the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The MCE also called on the Federal Government to establish an impartial investigative panel comprising judicial officers, digital forensic experts, and civil society representatives to verify the claims and ensure transparency in the process.
According to the statement, the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral system is at stake, stressing that leadership of the electoral commission must remain beyond political influence or suspicion.
“The integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process is at stake. At this critical juncture in the nation’s democratic evolution, the leadership of INEC must be beyond reproach,” the group said.
The coalition further alleged that recent concerns were triggered by purported digital traces linking the INEC Chairman to partisan expressions, although Amupitan has denied any wrongdoing.
It argued that in the digital age, such matters require forensic investigation rather than mere denial, insisting that modern tools such as digital logs, identity systems, and communication records make verification possible.
The group also warned against any attempt to silence critics or classify public scrutiny as cybercrime, saying such actions could undermine democratic accountability.
Beyond the allegations, the MCE expressed concern over what it described as patterns of electoral decisions that could disadvantage opposition participation, warning that this could push the country toward a weakened multiparty system.
It further noted that unresolved disputes may escalate to regional legal bodies such as the ECOWAS Court, potentially exposing Nigeria to reputational and diplomatic consequences.
Reiterating its position, the group said Amupitan should step aside voluntarily to preserve the integrity of the electoral process.
“Nigeria stands at a democratic crossroads. The credibility of its electoral body is central to national stability and the legitimacy of governance,” the statement added.
