The Ijumu Development Union (IDU) has thrown its weight behind the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN), dismissing calls for his resignation or removal as “mischief” and a threat to Nigeria’s democratic stability.
Speaking at a press conference in Lokoja on Monday, the National President of the union, Ahmed-Ade Fatai, said the agitation against the INEC chairman was driven by “selfish interests” and did not reflect the will of Nigerians.
Fatai, who addressed journalists on behalf of the Ijumu people and their traditional institution, described Amupitan as a man of “unquestionable character” and a distinguished legal scholar with the competence to lead the country’s electoral body.
“We stand before you as one united voice, not in bitterness, but in bold defence of excellence, integrity, and the future of our democracy. Professor Joash Amupitan has not committed any offence and cannot be made a scapegoat for political actors pursuing narrow agendas” he stated.
The IDU president warned that removing the INEC chairman at a critical time would send the wrong signal about Nigeria’s commitment to merit, fairness and institutional stability.
According to him, Amupitan’s track record as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and former Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jos underscores his deep understanding of constitutional and electoral law.
“Professor Amupitan was not appointed to serve any ethnic interest but to safeguard the ballot and strengthen public trust in the democratic process. He has demonstrated the neutrality, transparency and commitment required of his office” Fatai said.
He added that calls for the chairman’s removal risk undermining confidence in the electoral system and distracting the commission from its core mandate of delivering credible elections.