The Movement for Credible Elections (MCE) has called on the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Ojo Amupitan, to resign immediately over allegations of partisanship, warning that he no longer commands the credibility required to oversee the 2027 general elections.
The group, which includes notable figures such as Usman Bugaje, Femi Falana, Oby Ezekwesili, Ayuba Wabba, Pat Utomi, Bilikisu Magoro, and Nkoyo Toyo, said the integrity of the electoral body must not be compromised.
In a statement issued on Sunday by its Media Coordinator, Comrade James Ezema, the MCE urged Amupitan to step aside to allow for an independent and transparent investigation into the allegations.
“The integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process is at stake,” the group said. “At this critical juncture in the nation’s democratic evolution, the leadership of INEC must be beyond reproach.”
The group cited recent developments, including alleged digital footprints linking the INEC Chairman to partisan expressions sympathetic to the All Progressives Congress (APC), as the basis for what it described as a growing crisis of confidence.
While noting that Amupitan has denied the allegations, the MCE insisted that such denials are insufficient in the face of modern digital scrutiny.
“In this digital age, denial is not a defence—it is an invitation to forensic scrutiny,” the statement added.
The group called on the Federal Government to constitute an independent panel comprising judicial officers, digital forensic experts, and civil society representatives to investigate the claims. It also warned against any intimidation or harassment of citizens raising concerns.
Beyond the immediate controversy, the MCE expressed concern over what it described as a pattern of decisions by INEC that could undermine opposition participation, cautioning that such trends risk pushing Nigeria towards a one-party state.
It further warned that unresolved disputes could escalate to regional legal bodies such as the ECOWAS Court of Justice, potentially exposing Nigeria to reputational damage.
“The only honourable course is for the INEC Chairman to step aside and allow a transparent investigation,” the group stated, stressing that Nigeria stands at a critical democratic crossroads.
