The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed calls for the resignation of its Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan (SAN), describing the demands as an affront to the Commission’s constitutional independence.

In a statement issued Thursday in Abuja, Chief Press Secretary Adedayo Oketola said allegations by some political actors accusing the chairman of bias were unfounded. He noted that the criticisms followed the Commission’s decision to comply with a recent Court of Appeal ruling.

“INEC is a creation of the Constitution. The appointment, tenure and removal of the Chairman and National Commissioners are strictly governed by law,” the statement read. “The Chairman does not hold office at the pleasure of any political party or interest group. Calls for removal outside the constitutional process amount to a direct assault on the independence of the electoral body.”

The Commission said its compliance with the appellate court’s judgment was intended to avoid a recurrence of past incidents in Zamfara and Plateau states, where elected officials lost their positions after the Commission failed to adhere to court orders. It added that disregarding a Federal High Court directive could have jeopardized ongoing legal proceedings.

INEC also rejected claims that it was undermining Nigeria’s multi-party system, pointing to the recent recognition of additional political parties, which has increased the number of registered parties to 22. It maintained that it remains a neutral regulator and not a participant in political contests.

On the planned nationwide voter revalidation exercise, the Commission clarified that the initiative predates Amupitan’s appointment and is strictly administrative. The exercise, to be conducted across all Local Government Areas and polling units, is aimed at verifying voter records, eliminating multiple registrations, and removing deceased persons from the register.

“Revalidation is essential to strengthening the integrity of the National Register of Voters. It is not targeted at any region, party or demographic and will incorporate robust digital options,” the statement added.

The Commission reiterated that its priority is preparation for upcoming off-cycle governorship elections in Ekiti State (June 2026) and Osun State (August 2026), cautioning against the politicization of routine administrative actions.

“Our allegiance remains to the Constitution and the Nigerian people. Calls for the resignation of the Chairman are misplaced,” INEC said.

The statement followed a demand by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for Amupitan’s immediate resignation. Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, the party’s National Chairman, David Mark, said the ADC had lost confidence in the Commission, alleging bias and unlawful interference in internal party matters.

Mark further accused the administration of Bola Tinubu of attempting to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections, describing it as part of a broader effort to consolidate political dominance amid ongoing national challenges.