The Ijumu Development Union (IDU) has stated that the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan’s (SAN), minority background should not be used against him, warning against any attempt to undermine merit on the basis of ethnicity.
Addressing journalists on Monday in Lokoja, the National President of the union, Ahmed-Ade Fatai, said the agitation for Amupitan’s sack was driven by “mischief makers and enemies of democracy” pursuing selfish interests.
They described the calling for his resignation or removal as politically motivated and detrimental to Nigeria’s democracy.
Fatai maintained that the INEC chairman had committed no wrongdoing to warrant such demands, stressing that he remained a man of integrity, competence, and proven professional excellence.
“Professor Amupitan has not committed any offence and cannot be made a scapegoat for political interests,” he said. “The calls for his removal should be discarded entirely.”
The IDU president described Amupitan as a distinguished legal practitioner and academic, noting his track record as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and former Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jos.
He added that the INEC boss possesses deep knowledge of constitutional and electoral law, which positions him to effectively lead Nigeria’s electoral body.
Fatai also emphasized that Amupitan’s minority background should not be used against him, warning against any attempt to undermine merit on the basis of ethnicity.
“For us to be a minority is not a crime. The real injustice would be punishing competence because of where a man comes from,” he said.
The union called for stability and continuity in the electoral system, urging the Federal Government and relevant stakeholders to allow the INEC chairman to focus on delivering credible, free, and fair elections.
According to Fatai, removing Amupitan at a critical time would send a negative signal about Nigeria’s commitment to merit and institutional independence.
“We are not asking for favours; we are asking for fairness. Let his performance be judged on merit,” he stated.
The IDU further appealed to the Presidency and the National Assembly to support the INEC chairman in carrying out his constitutional responsibilities without undue interference.
Fatai expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Amupitan, expressing confidence that he would justify the trust reposed in him by conducting credible elections.
The group reaffirmed its position with the slogan: “Let merit speak, let our son work.”
