2027: Group Demands INEC Chairman’s Exit Over Alleged Credibility Concerns

A civic organisation, Movement for Credible Elections (MCE), has urged the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, to temporarily step aside, citing what it described as a growing crisis of confidence ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement issued by its Media Coordinator, James Ezema, the group said the call was necessary to protect the integrity of the electoral process and restore public trust in INEC. It alleged that recent claims linking the INEC chairman to partisan expressions in favour of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) had raised concerns about his neutrality.

Although Amupitan has reportedly denied the allegations, MCE argued that the denials had not fully addressed public suspicion, insisting instead on independent verification of the claims. The group warned that the controversy, if not properly managed, could trigger legal and institutional distractions for the electoral body ahead of the 2027 polls.

MCE further suggested that forensic tools such as digital access logs and identity verification systems could help clarify the authenticity of the allegations if independently examined. It also raised broader concerns about what it described as a pattern of actions by INEC that some stakeholders interpret as biased against opposition parties.

On that basis, the organisation called for the constitution of an independent panel comprising judicial officers, digital forensic experts, and civil society representatives to investigate the matter, during which it said the INEC chairman should step aside.

Meanwhile, civil society group Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has also raised alarm over the increasing monetisation of Nigeria’s political space. Following its board meeting in Abuja, CAPPA warned that vote-buying and the influence of wealthy political actors continue to undermine democratic credibility.

Signed by Board Chairman Auwal Musa Rafsanjani and Executive Director Akinbode Oluwafemi, the statement said unchecked financial inducement in politics could erode public confidence and compromise the legitimacy of the 2027 elections. It stressed that democracy must reflect the will of citizens rather than the influence of money.

CAPPA noted that vote-buying has remained a recurring concern in recent Nigerian elections, describing it as a major threat to democratic consolidation.

In Ekiti State, the Commissioner of Police, represented by Command spokesperson SP Sunday Abutu, reaffirmed the readiness of security agencies to clamp down on electoral malpractice, particularly vote-buying, during the June 20, 2026 governorship election.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ dialogue organised by the International Press Centre (IPC) in collaboration with the Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO) and supported by the European Union, Abutu said the police would deploy strategies to prevent electoral offences while ensuring peace and order.

He acknowledged that criminals often attempt to disrupt elections but assured that security operatives were prepared to counter such threats.

Also speaking, Ekiti Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Bunmi Omosehindemi, emphasised the importance of voter education and proper accreditation for credible elections.

IPC Executive Director, Lanre Arogundade, said the dialogue formed part of the EU-supported programme aimed at strengthening democratic governance and improving media participation in elections.

Journalism trainer Taiwo Obe, in his presentation, urged journalists to adopt emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, to remain relevant in a rapidly evolving media environment.