ABUJA, Nigeria – The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has issued a stern ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding the immediate resignation or sack of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
A Vote of No Confidence
Appearing on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics on April 26, 2026, ADC chieftain Ladan Salihu described the embattled INEC boss as “persona non grata” in the nation’s public service. Salihu alleged that Professor Amupitan has failed both integrity and competency tests, rendering him unfit to preside over the upcoming polls.
“We will escalate our own campaign for Amupitan to go if he is not removed before the 2027 elections,” Salihu warned. He insisted that the opposition would not go into another electoral cycle with an umpire they believe is compromised.
Allegations of Partisan Bias
The call for Amupitan’s removal is rooted in long-standing grievances from the opposition coalition. The ADC House of Representatives caucus has previously presented what they termed “digital evidence” of the Chairman’s partisan leanings. These include social media posts and public utterances allegedly showing open support for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) prior to his appointment.
Salihu argued that the Chairman’s actions “scandalise” people of integrity and have eroded public trust in the commission. He further asserted that despite the APC’s control of 31 states and a majority in the National Assembly, the government will fail the ultimate “credibility test” in 2027 if it continues to shield a biased umpire.
The Succession Row
Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN), a former law professor at the University of Jos, took the helm of INEC in late 2025 following the expiration of Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s tenure. While the Presidency originally defended the appointment as being based on merit and a “non-partisan” background, the ADC and other major opposition parties have maintained a steady drumbeat of protest since his confirmation.
A Looming Confrontation
The threat to “escalate” the campaign suggests that the ADC may be planning nationwide protests or legal challenges to force a change at the top of the electoral body. As of late April 2026, the commission has officially ignored these latest demands, maintaining that its leadership remains focused on its constitutional mandate.
However, with the 2027 election cycle drawing closer, the standoff between the electoral umpire and the opposition coalition appears to be heading toward a significant confrontation.
