2027: Amupitan clarifies alleged bias, possession of X account, voter register manipulation

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof. Joash Amupitan, has dismissed allegations questioning his political neutrality following claims that his cellphone quantity was related to a controversial account on X, previously Twitter.

Amupitan insisted that he had by no means owned or operated an account on a social media platform, including that an impartial forensic examination had been carried out to analyze the claims.

He disclosed that the matter had additionally been referred to the Department of State Services, DSS, and the Inspector-General of Police for additional investigation.

The INEC chairman made this recognized on Thursday whereas talking at a high-level occasion hosted by Chatham House in London in collaboration with the Kimpact Development Initiative, KDI.

Addressing considerations about his earlier involvement in politically delicate courtroom circumstances and whether or not such engagements might have an effect on his impartiality as electoral umpire, Amupitan defined that his participation in these issues was strictly based mostly on his skilled tasks as a lawyer earlier than assuming workplace.

“My loyalty is solely to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Electoral Act,” he affirmed.

“Every constitutional institution—including the Presidency, the National Assembly, and state governors—owes its primary loyalty to the Constitution and the rule of law.”

The electoral fee chairman additionally addressed allegations of irregularities within the nationwide voter register, together with experiences claiming that the variety of registered voters in a ward in Ebonyi State had elevated by 85 per cent.

He mentioned INEC had regarded into the criticism and brought steps to resolve the matter in accordance with the provisions of the regulation.

Amupitan additional defined that the Electoral Act provides Nigerians the appropriate to boost objections, submit claims and request licensed true copies of the voter register as a part of measures to advertise transparency and accountability within the electoral course of.

Amupitan, whereas talking on the significance of youth participation in democracy, urged younger Nigerians to change into actively concerned in shaping the nation’s political future.

He careworn that the duty of constructing a greater Nigeria rests partly on the youthful technology, warning that the circulation of false info and digital disinformation might weaken public confidence in democratic establishments.

“This country belongs to young Nigerians, and they must continue working toward the Nigeria they want,” he mentioned.

“Misinformation is among the greatest dangers facing our democracy. Citizens should verify information before acting on it or sharing it, and allow our democracy the opportunity to succeed.”

Nigeria is anticipated to carry its 2027 common elections in two phases, starting with the Presidential and National Assembly elections scheduled for January 16, 2027.

The Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are subsequently scheduled for February 6, 2027.