Movement for Credible Elections (MCE) led by Prof. Pat Utomi, said there is prima facie evidence of pre-existing partisan alignment of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan with the All Progressives Congress (APC).
MCE in a statement by Media Coordinator, Comrade James Ezema, called on Prof. Amupitan to step aside immediately as INEC Chairman, to allow for a truly independent, transparent, and forensic investigation into the allegations.
The movement called on the Federal Government to constitute an impartial panel comprising judicial, digital forensic, and civil society experts to ascertain the truth.
According to the MCE, the alleged action of the INEC Chairman is inconsistent with the neutrality required of an electoral umpire, “which inevitably leads to a troubling conclusion: that the appointment of Professor Amupitan may have been influenced by partisan considerations, thereby undermining the moral foundation of his office and the 2027 elections.”
It advised that the integrity of the electoral management body should not be compromised, which it warned, has grave consequences for credible elections, national stability and legitimacy of governance.
“Nigeria stands at a democratic crossroads. Professor Amupitan must recognise that this is no longer a personal matter of denial, it is a national question of trust.
“The only honourable path, consistent with both legal prudence and moral responsibility, is to step aside and submit to the cleansing light of transparent investigation.
“History will not be kind to those who, when confronted with questions of integrity, chose concealment over accountability,” MCE stated
It added that INEC should recommit itself to institutional neutrality through verifiable reforms that restore public confidence.
