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A former presidential candidate, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has called for the resignation of Joash Amupitan, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), stating that he cannot be trusted to oversee credible elections.
In an interview on Saturday with Punch News, Hashim criticised INEC’s recently released timetable for the 2027 general elections, particularly the adjusted schedule for party primaries announced on February 26.
Hashim argued that the commission had exceeded its constitutional mandate by fixing dates for party primaries, maintaining that political parties should determine their own nomination timelines as long as they meet submission deadlines.
He warned that the development undermines confidence in the electoral body and insisted that Amupitan should step down, adding that failure to do so could trigger public protests demanding his removal.
“It’s not the business of INEC to dictate to parties when they should conduct nominations of candidates for elections.
“This shows that Amupitan cannot be trusted. It’s either he resigns or Nigerians will embark on mass action to force him out. He should not be allowed to stay a day longer in that office,” he said.
The politician also alleged that bringing forward the primaries was a calculated move designed to benefit the ruling All Progressives Congress, claiming opposition parties were still dealing with internal disputes and legal battles.
“He’s deliberately working to favour the APC, having destabilised other political parties who are trying to sort out themselves in court. That is disingenuous and wrong,” he said.
According to him, the electoral body’s role is limited to setting election dates and deadlines for candidate submissions, not dictating internal party processes.
INEC, however, has maintained that the revised timetable is aimed at ensuring an orderly electoral process and compliance with provisions of the Electoral Act.
“INEC is not a headmaster that can impose what it wants on political parties. As long as parties comply with the Electoral Act regarding submission timelines, they have the right to determine when to hold their primaries,” he stated.
Olawepo-Hashim also argued that restoring public trust in the commission would require a broader restructuring of its leadership ahead of the 2027 polls.
He cautioned that perceptions of bias or administrative overreach could heighten political tensions and undermine Nigeria’s democratic stability, stressing that elections funded by public resources must reflect the genuine will of voters.
“For us to have an acceptable, free and fair election in 2027, INEC has to be reconstituted.
“Rushing out an ill-thought-out timetable after what we consider a poor performance in the Abuja Area Council election shows that the chairman cannot be entrusted with the 2027 general election.”
