Group Petitions Tinubu, Demands Removal of INEC Chair Over Alleged Ethnic, Religious Bias.

Group Petitions Tinubu, Demands Removal of INEC Chair Over Alleged Ethnic, Religious Bias
The recent appointment of Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has sparked a major controversy, as a coalition of citizens has petitioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately remove him, citing what they describe as “grave threats to national unity, democracy, and electoral integrity.”

In a petition submitted through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), the group—operating under the banner Concerned Citizens for Peace, Justice, and Democratic Integrity—warned that Prof. Amupitan’s past writings and alleged biases make him unfit to oversee Nigeria’s electoral process.

According to the petition, Prof. Amupitan authored a controversial legal brief in 2020 titled “Genocide in Nigeria: The Implications for the International Community.” The document, the petitioners allege, contained “inflammatory and divisive claims” accusing certain ethnic and religious groups of orchestrating genocide and pursuing domination.

The petitioners argue that such views reveal a “deep-seated bias” incompatible with the neutrality required of an INEC Chairman. “These writings expose a worldview that cannot guarantee fairness to over 200 million Nigerians of diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds,” the petition stated.

The coalition warned that Prof. Amupitan’s appointment has already created fear and suspicion among communities referenced in his writings. They noted that the perception of bias in the leadership of INEC could reignite ethnic tension, heighten religious polarization, and sow distrust ahead of future elections. The petition further stressed, “When citizens doubt the neutrality of the umpire, the entire democratic process collapses. When elections are tainted by fear and bias, democracy dies in spirit.” The group insisted that allowing Prof. Amupitan to remain in office would pose “a clear and present danger to national peace, cohesion, and stability.”

Describing their advocacy as patriotic rather than partisan, the petitioners urged President Tinubu to swiftly replace Prof. Amupitan with a more neutral and credible figure to safeguard the electoral system.

“INEC must be led by someone whose words and conduct embody impartiality, inclusiveness, and national cohesion—not division and distrust,” the statement read. The petitioners argued that Nigeria’s unity is “too precious to be endangered” by leadership weighed down by alleged religious or ethnic prejudice.

INEC declares Soludo winner of Anambra Governorship Elections.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Chukwuma Soludo, candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), winner of the Anambra State governorship election.

INEC announced that a total of 584,054 votes were collated across the state, with Soludo securing 422,664 votes, maintaining a decisive lead over his closest rival, Nicholas Ukachukwu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who garnered 99,445 votes. Other candidates include ADC: 8,208 votes and PDP: 1,401 votes.

State Collation Officer and Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin, Prof. Edogah Omoregie, announced the figures after the collation exercise on Sunday at the commission’s headquarters in Awka.

Results:

Dunukofia LGA
APC: 3,284 | APGA: 14,892 | LP: 71 | PDP: 16

Awka North LGA
APC: 3,661 | APGA: 15,895 | LP: 299 | PDP: 203

Njikoka LGA
APC: 5,687 | APGA: 22,213 | LP: 311 | PDP: 47

Nnewi South LGA
APC: 9,281 | APGA: 17,286 | LP: 73 | PDP: 12

Nnewi North LGA
APC: 5,441 | APGA: 20,320 | LP: 1,140 | PDP: 45

Nigerian Shari’ah Council Asks Tinubu To Immediately Sack INEC Chairman, Prof Amupitan Over 'Legal Brief On Genocide’.

The Shari'ah Council's call on Saturday followed SaharaReporters’ exclusive report that revealed that Professor Amupitan once authored a legal brief in 2020 containing

The Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN) has called on President Bola Tinubu to immediately reverse the appointment of the newly inaugurated Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Prof Joash Ojo Amupitan.

The Shari'ah Council's call on Saturday followed SaharaReporters’ exclusive report that revealed that Professor Amupitan once authored a legal brief in 2020 containing

exclusively obtained the report titled "Nigeria's Silent Slaughter" where the Senior Advocate of Nigeria, in his legal brief, called for urgent intervention to stop what he termed “pogrom and attacks against the Christians and minority groups in Nigeria.”

Amupitan, recently appointed by President Bola Tinubu to head the country's electoral commission, had titled his contribution, “Legal Brief: Genocide in Nigeria – The Implications for the International Community."

The document published by the International Committee on Nigeria (ICON), a global advocacy network promoting human rights and religious freedom — was officially signed under Amupitan’s law firm, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) & Co., Legal Practitioners & Corporate Consultants, with offices in Jos and Abuja.

The Shari'ah council described Amupitan's legal brief as “provocative, distorted and bigoted assertions” against Muslims in Northern Nigeria.

In a statement issued on Friday, November 7, 2025 (16th Jumada I 1447 AH), the SCSN said it received with “deep disappointment and grave concern” the SaharaReporters investigation alleging that Amupitan’s 2020 legal document characterised Northern violence as “Christian genocide” and linked the insecurity in the North to the 19th-century Jihad of Sheikh Uthman bn Fodio.

Police Restriction Order Flouted in Anambra as Commercial Vehicles Operate Freely on Election Day.

Some residents and commercial vehicle operators in Awka and Onitsha, Anambra State, on Saturday disregarded the restriction of movement order issued by the State Police Command ahead of the governorship election.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the restriction, expected to last from midnight to 6:00 p.m., was meant to cover all roads within the state, including interstate highways.

However, NAN observed that commercial vehicles operated freely in several parts of Awka, the state capital, as commuters openly boarded vehicles without hindrance. A similar situation played out from Ogidi Local Government Area to the Nkpor junction, where movement continued unhindered.

Security personnel were spotted at strategic points, including the popular Nkpor Road, monitoring activities across various junctions in the capital city.

In contrast, INEC operations suffered delays as officials arrived late at multiple polling units in Awka and Onitsha. At Agwuoka Polling Unit 008, officials were dropped off at exactly 8:40 a.m., while their counterparts at Aroma Polling Unit 022 were still setting up their stand around the same time.

Mrs Mary Fajoye, an INEC monitoring official in Awka South Local Government Area, confirmed that both sensitive and non-sensitive materials had been dispatched from the council office on Friday. She attributed some delays to difficulties encountered by polling officers in locating their designated registration areas, adding that the challenges had been resolved.

At Amawbia 02, Polling Unit 3, Central School III, officials and voting materials were already in place by 8:19 a.m., ahead of the official commencement of voting at 8:30 a.m.

The Presiding Officer, Mr Mark Kalu, was seen briefing voters on the conduct of the election, assuring them that priority would be given to albinos, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and the elderly.

As of the time of filing this report, accreditation of voters had commenced at Eze Chima Primary School Polling Unit on Awka Road.

Anambra Election Is A Chance For INEC To Show It Has Turned New Page.

~ Atiku Abubakar says

2025 Convention: Court Judgement An Assault On Nigeria’s Democracy— PDP
A Federal High Court in Abuja has stopped the PDP from holding its November 2025 national convention over alleged violations of party rules and the Electoral Act. The court also barred INEC from recognizing any convention outcome not done through due process.

The PDP condemned the ruling as an attack on democracy, vowed to appeal, and said it will continue internal preparations for the convention while stressing party autonomy in internal affairs.

Court sacks House of Reps Member for defecting from PDP to APC.

The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has removed Hon. Abubakar Suleiman Gummi from his seat in the House of Representatives for defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Gummi, who represents Gummi/Bukkuyum Federal Constituency of Zamfara State, was sacked on Thursday by Justice Obiora Egwuatu, who also directed the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, to stop recognising him as a member of the lower chamber.

In his judgment, Justice Egwuatu ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a fresh election within 30 days to fill the vacant seat. The certified true copy of the judgment was sighted on Friday.

The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1803/2024, was filed by the PDP and its Zamfara State Chairman, Jamilu Jibomagayaki. The plaintiffs, represented by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Ibrahim Bawa, contended that Gummi’s defection violated Section 68(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), since there was no division in the PDP at the time he left the party.

They asked the court to declare Gummi’s defection unconstitutional and to compel the Speaker to declare his seat vacant.

In his defence, Gummi argued through his counsel that his defection was necessitated by internal crises within the PDP both at the national and state levels, which, he claimed, made it impossible for him to effectively represent his constituents.

Justice Egwuatu, however, dismissed the lawmaker’s argument, holding that the evidence before the court did not establish any division within the PDP capable of justifying defection.

In a scathing remark, the judge condemned what he described as the “growing culture of political prostitution” among elected officials who switch parties without relinquishing the mandate given to them by voters.

Anambra governorship election: “You’ll suffer” — AAC’s Ifemeludike alleges in new video as she warns Anambra residents against re-electing Governor Soludo.

African Action Congress (AAC) governorship candidate, Chioma Ifemeludike, has cautioned Anambra residents and alleged that they will “suffer” if they reelect Governor Chukwuma Soludo instead of voting for her in the November 8 election.

The Nollywood actress and producer criticized Soludo over the poor condition of roads in Awka, particularly Uche Ekwunife Crescent, which she described as “totally dilapidated.” She accused the governor of neglecting basic infrastructure while constructing a new Government House with “wide, paved roads for himself and his generations.”

Ifemeludike said Soludo’s administration has failed to deliver good governance or quality social amenities, claiming he is only interested in showmanship. “If you miss out, you will suffer for it because Soludo is not ready to provide real leadership,” she said.

In a Facebook post directed at the governor, she asked, “@ccsoludo, why are you afraid to repair the capital city’s bad roads? Awka shouldn’t look so rural and undeveloped. With FAAC, local allocations, and IGR, we should have Dubai/Taiwan-style infrastructure.”

She urged voters not to be deceived but to come out en masse to make a better choice on election day. “On November 8, you have a choice — and that choice is Chioma for governor 2025,” she declared.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) confirmed that 16 political parties will participate in the Anambra governorship election.

Vote-buying will not decide Anambra election.

~ INEC chairman, Amupitan says

We Must Win By Whatever Means Necessary” – Former INEC Boss Exposes Politicians Dangerous Mindset.

Former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Attahiru Jega, has condemned the desperation of Nigerian politicians to undermine the integrity of the nation’s electoral process.

Speaking in Abuja while delivering a keynote address at the joint graduation ceremony of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies and the University of Benin, Jega warned that such a “do-or-die” attitude poses a threat to democratic development.

Jega lamented that the politicians’ attitude towards elections has eroded public trust in the Democratic process.

He pointed out that despite 25 years of uninterrupted democracy since 1999, Nigeria still struggles with electoral malpractice, violence, and widespread distrust in the electoral system.

He said, “When we see the desperation of these politicians, it is very clear, as former President Obasanjo said, that they engage with elections with a ‘do-or-die’ mentality. We must win by whatever means are necessary.

“No elections are perfect and none are likely to ever be,” he admitted, stressing that electoral integrity “is relative and measured as a continuum from the extreme worst-case scenario to the ideal best-case scenario.”

Jega noted that Nigeria’s political landscape has for decades been tainted by the pursuit of power at all costs, adding that fixing the country’s electoral process would require “continuous concerted efforts”.

“The credibility of elections has a direct correlation with the quality of representation and governance,” he added.

Elections must be won at polling units, not courtrooms.

~ INEC Chairman, Prof. Amupitan.

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has urged the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), to prioritise restoring public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process by ensuring transparency, integrity, and fairness in elections. In a statement issued on Sunday by HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, the civil…
The post Prioritize Integrity, Electoral Reforms, HEDA Tells New INEC Boss appeared first on New Telegraph.

We Cannot Rig Election For Politicians New INEC Chairman, Amupitan Assures Nigerians.

The newly appointed Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN), has vowed to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s elections, declaring that there will be no form of manipulation or rigging under his watch.

Speaking during his first official address in Abuja, Prof Amupitan assured Nigerians that the commission is fully committed to conducting free, fair, and credible elections across the country.

He stated that INEC’s responsibility to the people is clear and non-negotiable.
“We should not compromise our values or processes that could have consequences. So the integrity of our elections is not even something we should negotiate, please,” he said.

Prof Amupitan, who was sworn in by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on October 23, 2025, emphasized that his administration will focus on transparency and accountability within the commission.

“As I was leaving the State House, the first question that was asked was, OK, what do you want to do now, Anambra? I refused to talk about Anambra. Until I’ve come to meet with the staff,” he added.

He further revealed that President Tinubu had charged the commission to ensure credible polls, especially as the Anambra State Governorship Election scheduled for November 8, 2025, approaches.

“Mr. President, in his remark, also echoed the same, that we should do everything possible as we go into an Anambra election to give this country a fair, free, and credible election,” he said.

The INEC boss also assured staff members of improved welfare under his leadership. “For me, staff welfare is going to be my priority. I can see the echoes. It is going to be a priority because we are going to be expecting so much from you,” he told senior INEC officials during his maiden meeting.

INEC Must Not Pretend’ – ADC Accuses Soludo Of Vote Buying Ahead Of Anambra Election.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the Governor of Anambra State, Charles Soludo, of engaging in voter inducement, following a viral video clip showing the governor addressing electorates ahead of the November 8 governorship election.

In a statement on Sunday by its National spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC claimed that the governor’s remarks were a “clear display of desperation” and an “open violation” of the Electoral Act, particularly Sections 121 and 127, which criminalise vote buying and voter inducement.

“Ahead of the November 8th election, Soludo has clearly lost the confidence of the people of Anambra, and it shows,” the ADC said.

The ADC alleged that Governor Soludo’s recent actions indicate a loss of public goodwill and a willingness to disregard electoral laws for political survival.

“Only a sitting governor who has run out of public goodwill would so openly resort to cash for votes, in direct violation of Sections 121 and 127 of the Electoral Act, which criminalise voter inducement of any form,” the statement added.

The party described the act as “a new level of desperation wrapped in impunity”, warning that such conduct undermines democracy and erodes public trust in the electoral process.

The ADC also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to take immediate notice of the governor’s alleged actions and ensure accountability.

INEC unveils AI-powered virtual assistant ahead of Anambra gov election
25th October 2025.

The Independent National Electoral Commission has introduced an artificial intelligence-powered virtual assistant to enhance staff training and operational readiness ahead of the Anambra governorship election scheduled for November 8.

The new digital tool, known as the INEC Training Virtual Assistant or “INECTrainingBot,” was unveiled on Friday.

INECTrainingBot provides 24-hour access to election materials, interactive lessons, and on-demand learning modules.

It allows electoral officers to learn flexibly, from any location and at their own pace.

A statement by the commission via X read, “In preparation for the #AnambraDecides2025 election, the Independent National Electoral Commission is leveraging technology to enhance the capacity of its personnel and stakeholders.

“We are proud to introduce the INEC Training Virtual Assistant, ‘INECTrainingBot,’ now available on Telegram. This tool provides flexible, on-demand access to essential election training, ensuring our team can learn smarter and be fully equipped for their critical roles.

“Key Features: 24/7 Accessibility; User-friendly interface on Telegram; On-the-go learning.”

INEC had also announced that the distribution of Permanent Voter Cards for voters who participated in the recent Continuous Voter Registration in Anambra State will take place from October 22 to October 26.The commission also revealed that INEC will conduct a mock accreditation exercise on Saturday, October 25, in selected polling units across the three senatorial districts of the state.

The exercise, according to the commission, is intended to test the functionality of the upgraded Bimodal Voter Accreditation System and assess the real-time uploading of results to the INEC Result Viewing Portal.

WATCH: Residents Alarmed As Truckloads Of Suspected Fulani Herders Flock To Kwara Border Communities For INEC Registration
https://x.com/i/status/1981728020197953707

New INEC Chairman Begins Official Duty, Tasks Staff to Break Down Silos During Handover in Abuja.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that its new Chairman, Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, has officially assumed duty with a strong call for unity and collaboration within the Commission.

In a statement shared on INEC’s official Instagram page on Thursday, 22nd October 2025, the Commission revealed that Professor Amupitan made the remarks during his inaugural address at the handover ceremony held at the INEC Headquarters in Abuja.

The new Chairman urged staff to “break down silos” and foster teamwork across all departments, emphasizing that effective collaboration is essential to achieving the Commission’s mandate. He also issued a dual charge strengthening internal unity and restoring public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process, particularly ahead of the upcoming Anambra State governorship election.

Professor Amupitan reaffirmed his commitment to prioritizing staff welfare, describing it as fundamental to achieving credible and transparent elections.

According to INEC, the ceremony was attended by the Commission’s directors and a delegation from the University of Jos. The new Chairman described his assumption of office as “the beginning of a crucial chapter in Nigeria’s democratic journey” where unity, integrity, and teamwork will serve as the foundation for credible electoral processes.

Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC Prof. Joash Amupitan assumed duty on Thursday with a promise that the integrity of the nation’s electoral system was not negotiable. Amupitan resumed office shortly after he was sworn in by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa.

Court Approves Prosecution Of Tinubu’s Minister, Onyejeocha For Alleged Forgery.

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has granted Hon. Amobi Godwin Ogah, member representing Isikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency of Abia State, leave to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to prosecute the Minister of State for Labour, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, over alleged forgery of election results.

Justice M.G. Umar, in a ruling delivered on September 23, 2025, on an ex parte motion filed by Ogah, held that the lawmaker had provided sufficient material evidence in his affidavit to justify the court’s decision.

Onyejeocha, who contested on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), had dragged Ogah of the Labour Party (LP) to the National and State Houses of Assembly Election Petition Tribunal, claiming victory at the 2023 general elections.

However, Ogah alleged that Onyejeocha tendered forged results at the tribunal to back her claims, a case she eventually lost.

In April, Onyejeocha, through a media aide, dismissed the allegations as false, insisting they had been settled. “All the allegations in the petition are false. They are not only false, but they have been trashed out long ago,” she said.

Ogah, however, proceeded to the Federal High Court, urging it to grant him leave to seek an Order of Mandamus compelling INEC to investigate and prosecute Onyejeocha for forgery.

He alleged that after he was declared the winner by INEC, “Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha forged the results in respect of the polling units listed, whose results were tendered during the trial of the petition at the Election Tribunal to prove the allegations contained in the petition.

“That Hon. Nkeiruka Chidubem Onyejeocha forged Exhibit 3 and passed them off as the official election results and documents of the respondent, and the respondent vehemently disputed the authenticity of Exhibit 3 during the trial of the Election Petition.

President Tinubu Swears In New INEC Chairman

President Bola Tinubu has officially sworn in Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The brief ceremony took place at 1:50 p.m. in the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja. During the event, President Tinubu urged Amupitan to safeguard the integrity of Nigeria’s elections, strengthen the institutional capacity of INEC, and ensure transparency in the electoral process.

Amupitan’s inauguration follows his confirmation by the Senate on October 16, after undergoing a rigorous screening session.