Opposition escalates pressure on INEC as parties demand chairman’s resignation

Opposition parties in Nigeria have called for the resignation of Joash Amupitan, accusing the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of bias in favour of the ruling All Progressives Congress ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The demand was part of a communique issued after a high-level opposition summit held in Ibadan on Saturday, where party leaders warned that confidence in the electoral body was already eroding.

Reading the statement, factional chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Tanimu Turaki, said the INEC chairman’s continued stay in office could undermine the credibility of the next election cycle.

According to him, allegations of “open partisanship” have made it impossible for Amupitan to guarantee a free, fair, and transparent process, adding that his presence could heighten political tension nationwide.

The controversy stems from earlier claims linking the INEC chairman to a social media account that allegedly expressed support for President Bola Tinubu following the 2023 election. Although Amupitan denied any connection and described the claims as fabricated, opposition leaders insist the damage to public trust remains significant.

Turaki argued that retaining the chairman under such circumstances risks triggering instability, warning that the situation is “capable of causing crisis” if not addressed.

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Push for an extended primaries timeline

Beyond the resignation call, opposition parties are also demanding an extension of INEC’s timetable for party primaries, which they claim is designed to disadvantage non-ruling parties.

They want the deadline moved to July 2026, arguing that the current schedule creates unnecessary pressure and could limit internal party processes.

“The guidelines released by INEC appear to be obstacles deliberately engineered against opposition parties,” Turaki said, framing the timeline dispute as part of a broader concern over fairness in the electoral process.

Coalition politics taking shape

The Ibadan meeting itself reflects a growing effort among opposition groups to coordinate ahead of 2027, amid fears that the political landscape could tilt heavily in favour of the ruling party.

Among those present were prominent figures, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, David Mark, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and Rauf Aregbesola.

Other parties represented include the Labour Party, People’s Redemption Party, Accord Party, Action Democratic Party, All Progressives Movement, and the Youth Party.

While no formal coalition has been finalised, the tone of the meeting signals a coordinated strategy, one that increasingly frames the 2027 election not just as a contest of candidates, but as a referendum on the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral system.