A senior fellow at the Centre for Democracy and Development, Prof Jibrin Ibrahim, has accused the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Joash Amupitan, of partisanship. Ibrahim made the allegation on Monday during an appearance on the Arise Television programme Prime Time.
He argued that, although Amupitan is relatively new to the role, there has already been substantial evidence of partisan conduct. Ibrahim, who also chairs the Premium Times Editorial Board, pointed to the INEC chairman’s intervention targeting the main opposition party without what he described as a legal basis acceptable to most senior lawyers in the country.
“This indicates we have a partisan person who has come to do the job of his master,” Ibrahim said. “He had partisan opinions in the last election and showed that partisanship openly on X.” He added that Amupitan’s actions within a short time in office had raised concerns about the neutrality of the electoral commission at a critical period for Nigeria’s democracy.
The accusations come amid heightened political tensions and growing scrutiny of electoral bodies ahead of future elections. Observers note that perceived partisanship within INEC could undermine public confidence in the electoral process and fuel disputes over electoral outcomes.
Amupitan has not publicly responded to the allegations. The controversy underscores ongoing debates about the independence of Nigeria’s electoral institutions and the need for transparency and impartiality in managing the country’s democratic processes.
