The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, faced protests in London on November 12 as concerns over his leadership and the 2027 elections resurfaced. Demonstrators gathered outside Chatham House, where Amupitan was visiting, expressing dissatisfaction with his role in overseeing the upcoming polls.
Amupitan has been criticized for not addressing concerns about his appointment as INEC chairman. Policy strategist Baba Yusuf accused him of failing to respond to public doubts. Meanwhile, social media users have raised questions about his impartiality, with one user, McDonald Anyanwu, warning of potential bias in the electoral process.
In response, Amupitan reiterated his commitment to the Nigerian Constitution and the Electoral Act, stating his loyalty is solely to these legal frameworks. He also denied owning a social media account linked to supporting President Bola Tinubu’s party, the APC, during the 2023 elections. The controversy has been referred to the Department of State Services for investigation.
This comes amid growing tensions ahead of the 2027 elections, with reports of unrest in Lagos and London. The protests highlight ongoing skepticism about the integrity of the electoral process and the role of INEC in ensuring fair and transparent voting. As the election date approaches, pressure mounts on Amupitan to address public concerns and restore confidence in the commission’s ability to manage the polls.
