I’m Not a Part of Any Plan to Turn Nigeria Into a One-Party State, But INEC Will Follow Court Orders, Not Political Pressure — INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Prof. Amupitan has rejected claims that the commission is being used to create a one-party state in favor of President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections. “I am not guilty as charged,. Let me say it very clearly. I am not a party to the plan of anyone to turn Nigeria into a one-party state. By the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Nigeria is a multi-party state and this is recognized by the constitution and the Electoral Act,” he stated.

He cited the recent FCT area council elections, noting about ten political parties participated, including ADC, PDP, Labor Party, and Zenith Labour Party. “The democratic space remains vibrant. Parties are participating, and the elections demonstrate that competition is alive,” he said.

On disputes within the ADC and the PDP, he explained, “One of the challenges we’ve had is the issue of party leadership. And it’s something that is impacting on democracy because if those issues are not addressed on time, it can cause a lot of problem. Nobody is looking at that part that ordered the trial court to give it expeditious trial. This is an originating summons. An originating summons that could, if they had gone to court, have been decided by now because the Court of Appeal has given a specific order that it should be decided expeditiously.”

Explaining INEC’s role, he said, “So therefore, it calls to question the fact that this order has been made. They’re supposed to go back to the Federal High Court and let the Federal High Court, with that order, compel the judge to hear that case expeditiously. The Court of Appeal made a preservatory order, status quo antebellum. The commission just recorded positions before 2nd September 2025. If the court gives judgment, parties can proceed. Life goes on.”

He concluded, “The whole idea that INEC is being used to turn Nigeria into a one party state is false. INEC follows court orders, not political pressure.”