2027: Obidient movement questions INEC chairman’s whereabouts

The Obidient Movement, a group advocating for electoral integrity, has demanded clarification from Nigeria's Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) regarding the whereabouts and official activities of its Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan. This comes after National Commissioner Prof. Rhoda Gumus acted as the Acting Chairman during an official engagement with an African Union delegation in Abuja.

The Obidient Movement expressed concern over Amupitan's absence from INEC's headquarters, questioning his current location and the circumstances surrounding his unexplained departure. The group's National Coordinator, Dr Yunusa Tanko, stated that the movement had not been officially informed of Amupitan's handover of duties to Gumus. Tanko urged INEC to provide details about when and why Amupitan left Abuja, the purpose of his absence, and who authorized his absence.

The movement also demanded clarification on whether Amupitan had traveled outside the country, the official engagements he undertook, and whether he met or was scheduled to meet President Bola Tinubu, the National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Tanko emphasized that the INEC Chairman's transparency and political neutrality are crucial for maintaining public confidence ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The group also questioned Amupitan's "antecedents and strong affection for the APC," urging INEC to demonstrate transparency and non-partisanship in its operations. Tanko reiterated that the electoral commission belongs to Nigerians and its leadership must be accountable to the public, emphasizing the need for INEC to be seen as transparent and non-partisan. The movement concluded by calling on INEC to publicly state Amupitan's whereabouts and explain his official engagements.