Fresh controversy has emerged over alleged past social media posts linked to the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, sparking renewed debate about his political neutrality.

The claims suggest that the electoral chief may have made comments perceived as supportive of the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the 2023 general elections.

However, INEC has firmly denied the allegations.

The issue gained public attention after a US-based Nigerian academic, Farooq Kperogi, published a column referencing archived posts from an X account allegedly bearing Amupitan’s name.

He argued that the posts raise concerns about the independence of Nigeria’s electoral umpire and called for the chairman’s resignation.

Among the quoted posts was a message expressing excitement over electoral outcomes, including claims of strong performance in local polling units and praise of youth collaboration during elections.

These excerpts have since circulated widely online, fueling heated discussions.

The allegations have divided public opinion.

Some Nigerians insist the posts, if authentic, raise serious ethical questions about the neutrality expected of the head of an electoral commission.

Others, however, argue that the evidence is inconclusive, pointing out that the account in question appears to have undergone changes and may not be directly linked to the INEC chairman.

INEC, through its Chief Press Secretary, Adedayo Oketola, dismissed the claims, describing them as misleading and warning against misinformation spread by impersonators and cybercriminals.

The commission reiterated that Prof. Amupitan does not operate the X account being referenced.

While the debate continues online, some commentators have used the controversy to call for broader electoral reforms to strengthen transparency in the appointment and independence of electoral officials.

INEC maintained its commitment to conducting free, fair, and credible elections, urging the public to rely only on verified official communication channels.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Amupitan

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called for the immediate resignation of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, over allegations of political bias linked to past social media activity.

The opposition party issued the demand while reacting to claims that archived posts on an X account allegedly associated with the INEC chairman contained expressions perceived as supportive of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The controversy intensified after a US-based Nigerian academic, Farooq Kperogi, referenced the alleged posts in a published column, arguing that they raise concerns about the neutrality of Nigeria’s electoral umpire.

His claims triggered widespread debate on social media, with users divided over the authenticity and interpretation of the alleged tweets.

In response, the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC chairman, Adedayo Oketola, cautioned against misinformation and warned of impersonators and cybercriminals using fake identities to spread false narratives.

He reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to delivering credible elections under Prof. Amupitan’s leadership.

However, the ADC maintained that the allegations, if not properly addressed, undermine public trust in the electoral process.

Speaking on behalf of the party, spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi described the situation as a serious threat to democratic integrity, insisting that an electoral umpire must be beyond suspicion.

The party argued that recent revelations and public discussions surrounding the alleged posts have cast doubt on the chairman’s neutrality.

It further alleged attempts to manipulate digital records, describing such actions as unacceptable for someone entrusted with overseeing elections.

The ADC therefore demanded Amupitan’s resignation and warned that it would escalate its actions, including renewed civil disobedience campaigns, if he remains in office.

The party also stated that it would forward petitions to relevant local and international institutions over the matter.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Amupitan

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called for the immediate resignation of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, over allegations of political bias linked to past social media activity.

The opposition party issued the demand while reacting to claims that archived posts on an X account allegedly associated with the INEC chairman contained expressions perceived as supportive of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The controversy intensified after a US-based Nigerian academic, Farooq Kperogi, referenced the alleged posts in a published column, arguing that they raise concerns about the neutrality of Nigeria’s electoral umpire.

His claims triggered widespread debate on social media, with users divided over the authenticity and interpretation of the alleged tweets.

In response, the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC chairman, Adedayo Oketola, cautioned against misinformation and warned of impersonators and cybercriminals using fake identities to spread false narratives.

He reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to delivering credible elections under Prof. Amupitan’s leadership.

However, the ADC maintained that the allegations, if not properly addressed, undermine public trust in the electoral process.

Speaking on behalf of the party, spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi described the situation as a serious threat to democratic integrity, insisting that an electoral umpire must be beyond suspicion.

The party argued that recent revelations and public discussions surrounding the alleged posts have cast doubt on the chairman’s neutrality.

It further alleged attempts to manipulate digital records, describing such actions as unacceptable for someone entrusted with overseeing elections.

The ADC therefore demanded Amupitan’s resignation and warned that it would escalate its actions, including renewed civil disobedience campaigns, if he remains in office.

The party also stated that it would forward petitions to relevant local and international institutions over the matter.

The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, has disclosed that he underwent throat surgery shortly after his widely debated interview with Mehdi Hasan on Al Jazeera.

Bwala made the revelation during an appearance on News Central’s programme, 60 Minutes with Mr Kay, where he also responded to criticism trailing the interview and reactions across social media.

According to him, the surgery took place about eight days after the interview, although he made light of speculations surrounding the timing.

He added that he has since recovered and returned to full strength.

The presidential aide also took aim at a segment of online users identified with the “Obidient” movement, accusing them of prioritising political loyalty over national interest and engaging in coordinated criticism.

Addressing the interview itself, Bwala described Hasan’s style as confrontational, alleging that the journalist adopted an opposition-driven approach aimed at discrediting the government.

He explained that much of the discussion centred on his past remarks about President Tinubu while he was in the opposition—comments he acknowledged but said should not have dominated the conversation.

Bwala noted that he repeatedly admitted to making several of the statements highlighted but urged the interviewer to focus on the broader purpose of the engagement.

He further stated that the persistence of that line of questioning led to a tense exchange, during which he warned that he might begin to deny certain claims if the approach continued.

The interview, which circulated widely online, sparked significant backlash, with critics questioning his responses, especially after video clips were presented to counter some of his denials.

During the exchange, Hasan also raised concerns about Nigeria’s security situation, referencing reports from global rights organisations, while Bwala struggled to provide corresponding data in response.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has been thrown into mourning following the death of a member of the House of Representatives, Hassan Danjuma.

Danjuma, who represented the Dawakin Kudu/Warawa Federal Constituency, reportedly passed away on Friday after a brief illness.

A first-time legislator elected in 2023, he initially won his seat under the platform of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) before later defecting to the ADC.

News of his death was confirmed on Saturday by Saifullahi Hassan, who shared the update via a Facebook post written in Hausa.

According to the statement, the late lawmaker was last seen in good condition earlier in the week when he attended a political meeting at the residence of former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, in Abuja.

The meeting was said to have focused on preparations for the upcoming ADC State Congress.

Danjuma was among a group of federal lawmakers from Kano State who chose not to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC) alongside Governor Abba Yusuf, instead maintaining political alignment with Kwankwaso.