The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed calls for the resignation of its Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, describing such demands as a direct attack on the commission’s constitutional independence.

In a statement issued in Abuja, INEC’s Chief Press Secretary, Adedayo Oketola, said allegations of bias against the chairman by political actors were unfounded and stemmed from the commission’s compliance with a recent Court of Appeal ruling.

“INEC is a creation of the Constitution. The appointment, tenure, and removal of the Chairman and National Commissioners are strictly governed by law,” the statement said, stressing that the chairman does not serve at the pleasure of any political group.

The commission explained that its decision to comply with the court judgment was to avoid a repeat of past incidents in Zamfara and Plateau states, where elected officials lost their positions after disobedience to court orders. It added that acting contrary to a Federal High Court directive could have jeopardised ongoing legal processes.

INEC also rejected claims that it undermines Nigeria’s multi-party system, noting that it recently recognised new parties—including the Democratic Leadership Alliance, Nigeria Democratic Congress, and National Democratic Party—bringing the total number of registered parties to 22.

On its planned nationwide voter revalidation exercise, the commission clarified that the initiative predates Amupitan’s appointment and is purely administrative. It said the exercise would verify voter records, eliminate multiple registrations, and remove deceased voters to strengthen the integrity of the register.

INEC further emphasised that its focus remains on preparations for upcoming off-cycle governorship elections, while cautioning against politicising its administrative decisions.

The commission’s response follows calls by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for Amupitan’s resignation. Its National Chairman, David Mark, accused INEC of partisanship and alleged that the commission’s actions were part of a broader attempt by the administration of Bola Tinubu to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 elections.

INEC, however, maintained that it remains a neutral regulator committed to upholding the Constitution and the will of the Nigerian people.