INEC Rejects Chairman Removal Calls

Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, is rejecting calls for the removal of its Chairman, reaffirming its constitutional independence and clarifying its position on voter revalidation amid growing political debate.
The Commission responds to recent public statements by political actors alleging bias and demanding leadership changes following its decision to comply with a Court of Appeal judgment.
According to Mediaplusng.com, INEC emphasizes that its actions are guided strictly by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which outlines clear procedures for the appointment and removal of its Chairman and National Commissioners.
INEC explains that the tenure and removal of its leadership are governed by constitutional processes, stressing that no individual or political group has the authority to demand removal outside those provisions.
The electoral body warns that attempts to pressure the Commission into leadership changes undermine its independence and threaten the credibility of Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
INEC states that its decision to act in line with the Court of Appeal judgment is aimed at avoiding legal complications similar to past electoral disputes that led to the removal of elected officials in some states.
It references previous cases where failure to obey court rulings resulted in electoral disruptions, reinforcing its commitment to upholding the rule of law in all its operations.
According to Mediaplusng.com, INEC clarifies that it also adheres to a preservative court order, which restricts it from taking actions that could undermine ongoing legal proceedings involving political parties.
The Commission notes that monitoring certain political gatherings could violate existing court directives, particularly where legal challenges are still pending before the courts.
The electoral body insists it will not interfere in internal party disputes, maintaining that such matters should be resolved by the parties themselves or through the judicial system.
INEC points to recent approvals of party leadership structures, explaining that such decisions are based on legal compliance and court directives, not political considerations.
It notes the registration of additional political parties, bringing the total number of recognized parties to twenty-two, as evidence of its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s multi-party system.
The Commission describes claims of promoting a one-party agenda as unfounded, emphasizing its role as a neutral regulator of the electoral process.
INEC addresses concerns surrounding the planned nationwide voter revalidation exercise, which has drawn political reactions in recent weeks.
The Commission explains that voter revalidation is a routine administrative process designed to update and sanitise the national voter register.
INEC states that the current register contains data accumulated over more than a decade, making periodic updates necessary to ensure reliability and credibility.
It says the exercise will verify voter status, address multiple registrations, update transferred voters, and remove records of deceased individuals from the database.
The process, it says, will be conducted nationwide across all local government areas and polling units, with digital options introduced to enhance accessibility.
The Commission insists that voter revalidation is not targeted at any region, political party, or demographic group, describing it as a uniform and transparent exercise.
The Commission highlights preparations for the Ekiti and Osun off-cycle governorship elections scheduled for mid-2026, noting that it remains committed to delivering credible polls.
INEC says it is deploying resources and strategies to ensure the elections meet national and international standards of transparency and fairness.
It urges political parties, civil society groups, and the electorate to support its efforts in strengthening Nigeria’s electoral system.
The Commission emphasizes that all its decisions are guided by the rule of law and aimed at promoting free, fair, and credible elections.
INEC maintains that calls for the resignation or removal of its Chairman are misplaced and inconsistent with constitutional provisions.
The electoral body reiterates its dedication to independence, transparency, and the protection of Nigeria’s democratic process as political activities continue to intensify ahead of future elections.