INEC Speaks on Chairman Amupitan’s Resignation
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed a viral social media report claiming that its Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, is planning to resign, describing the report as false, fabricated and misleading.
The Commission issued the clarification in a public notice following the circulation of an image across social media platforms suggesting that Amupitan was preparing to step down from his position.
INEC urged Nigerians to disregard the purported resignation report and refrain from sharing unverified information, stressing that the circulating image was fabricated.
“The claim is FALSE, FABRICATED AND MISLEADING,” the Commission stated.
The electoral body further advised members of the public to rely on its recognised communication channels for accurate information and official updates, warning against the spread of misinformation concerning its leadership.
The clarification comes amid growing controversy surrounding the electoral commission and its chairman.
Ibom Focus had earlier reported that Nigerians living in the United Kingdom staged a protest outside Chatham House in London, where they confronted Amupitan and surrounded the vehicle conveying him as he attempted to leave the venue.
The protesters demanded that the INEC chairman come out and address their concerns, particularly allegations of irregularities in Nigeria’s voters’ register ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a video obtained by Ibom Focus, demonstrators were seen surrounding a black vehicle believed to be conveying the electoral chief, blocking its movement and demanding that he step out to answer their questions.
Some protesters held papers and placards while repeatedly calling on him to address their concerns.
One of the demonstrators was heard shouting, “Come outside and address us. Let him come outside and talk to us. He is the one we want.”
Another protester questioned the independence of the electoral commission, shouting, “He is the one we want. He is the Nigerian Electoral Empire. He needs to come out and tell us how he’s independent.”
The protesters also expressed frustration over the country’s economic situation, repeatedly chanting, “People are hungry. People are hungry. People are hungry.”
The confrontation later escalated, with some demonstrators hurling insults at the INEC chairman and accusing him of failing to demonstrate the independence expected of the electoral institution.
The protest followed growing concerns over INEC’s preliminary voters’ register, after questionable entries reportedly emerged, including photographs suspected to have been generated using artificial intelligence (AI), duplicate registrations and names of deceased persons.
