From David Onuoja, Abuja
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has refuted the allegation of the call for the Commission Chairman’s sack even as it revealed the reason for the Voters revalidation.
In a press statement issued and signed in Abuja yesterday by Adedayo Oketola, the Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, said the attention of the Commission has been drawn to a recent public statements by political actors alleging partisan bias, calling for the removal of the Chairman of the Commission on account of the decision of the Commission to obey the recent Court of Appeal Judgment.
INEC explained that the Commission, is a creation of the Constitution and its leadership is governed by Section 157 of the 1999 Constitution, emphasising that the chairman does not hold office at the pleasure of any political party or interest group.
The commission stated that any call for removal outside the established constitutional process is an assault on its independence.
Related News
This comes after INEC decided to comply with a Court of Appeal judgment, regarding the Democratic Congress (ADC), led by David Mark, amidst internal strife within the party.
INEC clarified that it did not disobey the Court of Appeal’s order but rather chose to comply to avoid a situation like in Zamfara and Plateau States.
The Commission also mentioned that it accepted and approved David Mark’s Exco on September 9, 2025, seven days after the matter was filed at the Federal High Court.
The Commission also maintained its commitment to neutrality, stating it is not a participant in political competition. INEC has expanded the democratic space, registering new parties, including the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA), Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), and National Democratic Party (NDP), bringing the total number of active parties to 22.
INEC also addressed concerns over a planned nationwide Voter Revalidation exercise, saying it’s a professional necessity to strengthen the integrity of the National Register of Voters, not targeted at any group. The exercise aims to sanitise the register, addressing issues like transfers, multiple registrations, and deceased persons.
“The Commission remains focused on delivering free, fair, credible, and inclusive elections, with allegiance to the Constitution and the Nigerian people”, it added.
