Abuja, Nigeria – Stakeholders Magazine reports that Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), is confronting heightened criticism following the resurfacing of old social media posts showing apparent strong support for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The controversy broke on April 10, 2026, coinciding with INEC’s announcement postponing nationwide voter revalidation and ongoing protests by factions of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) at INEC headquarters.
Professor Amupitan was sworn in as INEC Chairman on October 23, 2025, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. A Senior Advocate of Nigeria and academic with expertise in law and governance, he was charged with upholding electoral integrity and rebuilding public confidence ahead of the 2027 general elections. In initial remarks, he stressed impartiality, cautioned against the spread of falsehoods on digital platforms, and called for institutional reforms within INEC. On April 10, 2026, screenshots of posts allegedly from an X account linked to Amupitan (originally created in 2022) circulated widely. The posts, dated around March 2023, included celebratory messages such as “Victory is sure” in reference to APC performance in gubernatorial elections, along with other expressions of support for the party and President Tinubu. Critics have described them as evidence of him being a “bonafide card-carrying member” of the APC.
Shortly after the screenshots gained traction, the associated account underwent rapid changes: the username was altered (appearing as @Sundayvibe00), the profile was protected/locked, and it was relabeled a “Parody Account.” Many observers viewed these modifications as an attempt to distance the chairman from the earlier content, further intensifying calls for his resignation or removal. Screenshots and discussions of the “deleted” or altered posts dominated Nigerian social media, with users and opposition voices demanding immediate action, arguing that such partisan history compromises the neutrality expected of the INEC chairman.
The APC-related allegations have amplified existing tensions surrounding the leadership crisis in the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Factions associated with Senator David Mark and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola have protested at INEC offices, accusing the commission of bias in handling party recognition disputes and derecognizing certain executives. The ADC has explicitly called for Amupitan’s resignation, citing a loss of confidence in the commission’s ability to conduct credible 2027 elections. On the same day the old posts resurfaced, INEC announced the postponement of its planned nationwide voter revalidation exercise until after the 2027 polls. The commission, following deliberations with Resident Electoral Commissioners, cited the need for further internal review while reaffirming its commitment to a credible voter register. Critics, including opposition parties, have expressed concerns that the delay, combined with questions over leadership impartiality, could undermine preparations and public trust.
Opposition figures, civil society groups, and social media users have urged the National Assembly, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), and other institutions to intervene, emphasizing that the INEC chairman must be perceived as fully non-partisan. The ruling APC and supporters of Amupitan have countered that his Senate-confirmed appointment followed due process, and any removal must adhere to constitutional mechanisms rather than social media campaigns or protests.INEC has maintained that its decisions on party matters are guided by court rulings and the Electoral Act, while reiterating the chairman’s dedication to impartiality. Amupitan himself has not issued a direct public response to the resurfaced posts as of April 10, 2026.
For investors, policymakers, international observers, and democratic stakeholders, these developments underscore persistent challenges to electoral credibility in Nigeria. Revelations of this nature risk deepening voter cynicism, potentially impacting participation and opposition cohesion ahead of 2027.As the country moves toward the next general elections, Prof. Amupitan’s navigation of the ADC disputes, voter register management, and questions surrounding his personal digital history will remain under close watch. Stakeholders Magazine will continue to track any legal, institutional, or official responses.
