Amupitan on official assignment outside Abuja – INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has clarified that its Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, is currently on an official assignment outside Abuja. The commission's Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Mrs Victoria Eta-Messi, stated that the Chairman has the authority to delegate his responsibilities to any National Commissioner.

This response came in light of a statement by the Obidient Movement, demanding an explanation from INEC regarding Amupitan's absence after National Commissioner, Prof. Rhoda Gumus, acted as Acting Chairman during a meeting with an African Union delegation at the commission's headquarters in Abuja. The movement questioned why there was no public announcement explaining when or why Amupitan handed over his duties and whether he had traveled outside Nigeria.

INEC's stance emphasizes the importance of public confidence in the commission's leadership ahead of the 2027 elections, noting that the Chairman is engaged in official duties outside the country, including a recent meeting in Ottawa, Canada, and strategic partnerships with Microsoft and the International Foundation for Electoral Systems.