INEC Denies Amupitan Resignation Rumour

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed reports suggesting that its Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, has resigned from office.

The speculation comes amid growing controversy surrounding the electoral body and its leadership ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Amupitan recently faced calls for his resignation from protesters in London, who confronted him outside Chatham House on Thursday, November 12, during his visit for a discussion on Nigeria’s electoral preparations.

The demonstrators reportedly raised concerns about alleged irregularities in the preliminary voters’ register and questioned the commission’s impartiality.

However, Amupitan maintained that his loyalty was solely to the Nigerian Constitution and the Electoral Act, insisting that he remained committed to conducting free, fair and credible elections.

Speaking at the Chatham House engagement, the INEC chairman also denied operating an X account allegedly linked to partisan political posts during the 2023 general elections. He said an independent forensic review had been obtained and the matter referred to the Department of State Services and the Inspector-General of Police for investigation.

Meanwhile, the commission continues preparations for the 2027 general elections, with attention focused on voter registration, election logistics, technology and result management.

Amupitan is also expected to appear before the House of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters to brief lawmakers on INEC’s level of preparedness for the forthcoming elections.

The developments come as public scrutiny of the electoral commission intensifies, with political parties and civic groups demanding transparency and confidence in the management of the electoral process.