The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, is facing widespread demands for his prosecution and removal from office over allegations of partisanship and compromised neutrality ahead of the 2027 general elections. These calls have been vociferously made by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) caucus in the House of Representatives and prominent activist Mahdi Shehu, both expressing deep concern about the integrity and transparency of the electoral body's leadership.

The ADC caucus initiated its call following an inaugural meeting on Sunday, April 12, 2026, where members reviewed recent political developments. They specifically accused Professor Amupitan of exhibiting actions and making statements inconsistent with the impartiality expected of an electoral commission head. Central to their allegations is the claim that the INEC chairman previously operated a personal X account. This account, they allege, was used to express support for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and to share controversial content, including claims of Christian genocide in Nigeria. While INEC has publicly denied any link between Professor Amupitan and the said account, the ADC caucus asserts that digital forensic findings and online investigations suggest otherwise, thereby raising significant questions about his integrity.

Activist Mahdi Shehu has independently echoed these sentiments, publicly calling for Professor Amupitan's resignation due to alleged bias and misconduct. Shehu, in a post on X, accused the INEC chairman's actions of damaging public trust in the electoral body. He highlighted the gravity of the situation, warning that continued silence from both the commission's leadership and President Bola Tinubu could further erode confidence in democratic institutions. Shehu critically noted, "Either BAT and Amupitan do not understand the gravity of the situation surrounding the INEC chairman’s current scandal, or they are testing the patience of Nigerians." He further criticized the President's perceived silence on the genuine calls for the chairman's removal, stating, "BAT has decided to remain silent and mute on the genuine calls for the INEC chairman to resign in the overriding interest of democracy."

Shehu's allegations also delve into Professor Amupitan's controversial social media activity, including claims about changes to his X account and questions regarding past political expressions. He argued that the electoral chief's attempts to defend himself by denying ownership of certain online accounts and suggesting impersonation were unconvincing. Shehu emphatically stated that Professor Amupitan must resign, asserting that if President Tinubu refuses to act, he risks losing more than just the INEC chairman. He warned of significant political consequences for both men if the chairman does not step down, as growing public anger and a widespread loss of trust continue to overshadow the situation. Many Nigerians, Shehu claimed, already view the INEC chairman as biased, lacking integrity, and failing to uphold ethical standards.