The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, has dismissed allegations questioning his political neutrality following claims linking his phone number to a controversial account on X, formerly Twitter.
Amupitan maintained that he had never operated an account on the social media platform, insisting that an independent forensic examination had been conducted to establish the truth behind the allegations.
He also disclosed that the matter had been referred to the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Inspector-General of Police for further investigation.
The INEC chairman spoke on Thursday, November 12, 2026, during a high-level event organised by Chatham House in London in collaboration with the Kimpact Development Initiative.
Addressing concerns about his ability to remain impartial ahead of the 2027 general elections, Amupitan also responded to questions about his previous involvement in politically sensitive court cases before his appointment as electoral commission chairman.
He explained that his participation in those cases was strictly in his professional capacity as a lawyer and should not be interpreted as evidence of political allegiance.
Reaffirming his commitment to electoral neutrality, Amupitan said his decisions would be guided by the Constitution and the country’s electoral laws rather than political interests.
“My loyalty is solely to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Electoral Act,” he stated.
He added that all constitutional institutions, including the Presidency, National Assembly and state governments, were expected to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law.
The INEC chairman also addressed concerns about alleged irregularities in the national voters’ register, including reports that the number of registered voters in a ward in Ebonyi State had increased by 85 per cent.
He said the commission had examined the complaint and taken steps to address the matter in accordance with the law.
Amupitan explained that the Electoral Act provides mechanisms through which Nigerians can raise objections, submit claims and request certified true copies of the voters’ register to promote transparency in the electoral process.
Turning to youth participation, he urged young Nigerians to become more involved in democratic activities and take responsibility for shaping the country’s political future.
He also warned that misinformation and digital disinformation posed serious threats to public confidence in democratic institutions.
“This country belongs to young Nigerians, and they must continue working toward the Nigeria they want,” he said.
“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’s 2027 general elections are scheduled to take place in two phases. According to INEC’s revised timetable, the presidential and National Assembly elections will hold on January 16, 2027, while the governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are scheduled for February 6, 2027.
Nigerian diaspora protesters gathered outside Chatham House in London on 12 November 2026, surrounding the vehicle of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan as he departed.
The demonstrators voiced concerns over alleged irregularities in… pic.twitter.com/ERp3CLaAwF
— Chude (@Chude_ND1) November 12, 2026
Amupitan’s appearance at Chatham House comes as INEC faces increasing public scrutiny over its preparedness, institutional independence and ability to conduct credible elections.
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