- INEC chairman denied plan to make Nigeria a one-party state
- He said decisions were based on court rulings, not personal choice
- He dismissed criticisms as driven by personal interests
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan, has denied allegations that he is part of any plan to turn Nigeria into a one-party state.
Amupitan made the clarification on Friday during an interview on Arise Television, amid growing criticism of the commission’s recent decisions, particularly regarding the leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The INEC chairman stressed that he has no involvement in any agenda aimed at undermining Nigeria’s multi-party democracy, insisting that the commission’s actions are guided strictly by legal and judicial directives.
“Let me state very clearly that I’m not a part of anyone’s plan to turn Nigeria into a one-party state,” Amupitan said during the interview.
He explained that the commission’s decisions, including the controversial delisting of certain ADC leadership figures, were not made arbitrarily but were based on existing court rulings.
“If this judgment didn’t come, would I decide on my own?” he queried, suggesting that INEC was merely implementing the outcome of judicial processes.
Amupitan also addressed criticisms circulating on social media, noting that many opinions are driven by personal or political interests rather than an objective assessment of the facts.
“Even on social media, if you look at people who talk, they speak from their own interests,” he said.
He further questioned whether critics lacked confidence in the commission’s actions, reiterating that INEC did not independently initiate the decisions currently generating controversy.
“The question is whether they lack confidence in what INEC has done. INEC didn’t make the decision that is causing these grievances,” he added.
The remarks come amid heightened political tension and accusations from opposition figures who claim that recent developments—particularly those affecting the ADC—could weaken political pluralism in Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general elections.
INEC’s handling of internal party disputes and its interpretation of court orders have been at the centre of the controversy, with critics arguing that such actions may have broader implications for democratic governance.
However, Amupitan’s comments signal the commission’s position that it remains neutral and bound by the rule of law in carrying out its constitutional responsibilities.
As debates continue, observers say the situation underscores the importance of transparency and trust in electoral institutions, especially as Nigeria prepares for another crucial electoral cycle.