‘Amupitan Must Go’ Protests Escalate as Civil Society, Diaspora Groups Demand INEC Chair Resignation

Pressure on INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan has reached a new intensity as civil society groups, diaspora Nigerians, and opposition youth wings demand his resignation over alleged partisan conduct ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Movement for Credible Elections, a coalition featuring Pat Utomi, Femi Falana, and Oby Ezekwesili, called on Amupitan to step aside Monday, describing the controversy as a “crisis of credibility” that threatens public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral body.

Protests Spread Across Continents

The escalation comes as ADC youths occupied INEC offices in Lagos, while Nigerian diaspora groups staged demonstrations at the UK Parliament. The coordinated actions mark a significant expansion beyond the political party disputes that dominated headlines earlier this month.

In Lagos, ADC demonstrators carried placards reading “ADC is not for sale” and “Amupitan is already compromised” as they gathered at the commission’s Yaba office under heavy security presence. The protest was led by the party’s National Deputy Youth Leader, Adeola Olusi.

“Lagos ADC Youth Wing has taken a firm and peaceful stand, occupying INEC to deliver a clear message: the rule of law must be respected, due process must be upheld, Amupitan must resign immediately,” said Balarabe Rufai, the party’s National Youth Leader.

Civil Society Demands Investigation

The MCE coalition urged the federal government to constitute an impartial panel comprising judicial, digital forensic, and civil society experts to investigate allegations linking Amupitan to partisan social media activity.

“At this point in Nigeria’s democratic evolution, it is evident that the hands presiding over INEC are, at best, under grave distrust and, at worst, compromised,” the group said in a statement signed by James Ezema.

INEC has denied the allegations, with commissioners stating that a forensic investigation found no evidence linking Amupitan to the controversial X posts. The commission described the accusations as part of a coordinated disinformation campaign.

Background: ADC Leadership Crisis

The protests follow INEC’s April 1 decision to derecognize factions within the ADC, citing a Court of Appeal judgment that ordered maintenance of the status quo in the party’s leadership dispute. An earlier Abuja demonstration on April 8 featured opposition heavyweights including Atiku Abubakar, David Mark, and Rotimi Amaechi.

Sources: Daily Trust, Nigerian Sketch, BusinessDay