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Senior Advocate faults Sharia Council’s call for INEC chair’s removal

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Prof. Sebastine Hon, has faulted the recent call by a group, the Sharia Council of Nigeria, for the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN).

Hon, who described that call as an unguided request, argued that it is ridiculous because it amounted to an invitation to President Bola Tinubu to breach the provisions of the Constitution.

Quoting extensively from the Construction, the senior lawyer added, in a statement on Sunday, that the reasons advanced by the group in support of its request are mere blackmail and untenable constitutionally and empirically.

Hon contended that contrary to the erroneous position of the group, INEC’s Chair could only be removed from office by the President, acting on the provisions of the Constitution and the requirements of the National Assembly.

Part of the statement read, “I have observed with shock the call made by the Sharia Council of Nigeria for the removal or resignation of Prof. Joash Amupitan from office as the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“The reasons advanced by the Council are, with respect, not tenable constitutionally and empirically.

“Subsections (1) and (2) of section 157 of the Constitution provide that the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission ‘may only be removed from that office by the President acting on an address supported by two-thirds majority of the Senate praying that he be so removed for inability to discharge the functions of the office (whether arising from infirmity of mind or body or any other cause) or for misconduct.’

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“From the above provisions, not even the President has power to remove Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, from office with the wave of the hand: he has to subject his decision to the approval of at least two-thirds of members of the Senate.

“Secondly, the removal must be based on the stated constitutional reasons: ‘For inability to discharge the functions of the office (whether arising from infirmity of mind or body or any other cause) or for misconduct.’

“The guiding and controlling phrases here are ‘inability to discharge the functions of his office’ and ‘misconduct.’

“None of these reasons has been raised by the respected Sharia Council of Nigeria. Let me also make it clear that the phrase ‘or any other cause’ in the provision is not at large, but owes its origin to the parent phrase ‘for inability to discharge the functions of the office.’

“This means that Prof. Amupitan must, for this provision to affect him, have been unable to perform the functions of his office due to any other cause apart from ‘infirmity of mind or body.’

“No other permissible interpretation, to the best of my knowledge, could be made of these extant provisions.

“To be more specific, the Nigerian Constitution, in particular, section 157(1) and (2), the only provisions dealing with removal from office of the INEC Chairman, does not contemplate such removal being based on a prior public opinion expressed by the occupant of that office.

“It will amount to doing grave and damaging violence to the Constitution if such interpretation is imputed to those crystal-clear provisions.

“Further still, those provisions contemplate removal from office for actions or inactions of the occupant thereof while in office and not for infractions that took place prior to his assumption of office.

“Pray, how did Prof. Amupitan assume office in the first place? Again, resort would have to be had to the provisions of the Constitution and empirical facts.

“Section 153(1)(f) of the Constitution has established INEC, while section 158(1) thereof makes the said INEC, inter alios (amongst others), ‘not to be subject to the direction or control of any authority or person.’

“INEC, having been so established, Section 154 of the same Constitution makes it mandatory that its Chairman shall ‘be appointed by the President and the appointment shall be subject to confirmation by the Senate.’

“From undeniable facts, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had, on November 9, 2025, nominated Prof. Amupitan to that office. On October 10, 2025, the National Council of State, made up of the President (a Muslim), the Vice President (also a Muslim), all former Presidents/Heads of State (some of whom are Muslims), the Chief Justice of Nigeria (herself a Muslim), the Senate President, the Speaker of the House of Representatives (also a Muslim), the Attorney-General of the Federal (another Muslim) and Christian and Muslim State Governors, unanimously approved the appointment.

“State House press statement issued on that same October 10, 2025, quoted Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State (himself a Muslim) as describing Amupitan as “a man of integrity.”

“After the unanimous clearance by the National Council of State, the Senate, in compliance with the above-adumbrated provisions of the Constitution, also unanimously confirmed the appointment on October 16, 2025.

“It is remarkable to note that the Senate of Nigeria is made up of a large number of Muslims, but none objected at all to this confirmation during the over two hours’ screening exercise.

“The sudden realisation by the Sharia Council that Prof. Amupitan had decried genocide against Christians in Nigeria by Muslim extremists; hence is not fit to occupy that office, therefore, amounts to an afterthought.

“A very dangerous precedent will also be set if this tendentious objection is accepted.

Save if the Sharia Council has any other reason to oppose the continued functioning of Prof. Amupitan as INEC Chairman, the fact that he decried genocide against Christians in Nigeria is not strong enough to make him leave office.

“All the high officers of the Federation named above presumably carried out proper investigations on his person before unanimously proposing and or confirming his appointment, are not inferior Muslims.

“Besides, Prof. Amupitan has not committed any of the listed infractions that would make him lose office, as spelt out under section 157(1) and (2) of the Constitution.

“Consequently, I vehemently oppose calls for the removal from office of Prof. Amupitan as INEC Chairman. I also strongly counsel him not to succumb to this blackmail by voluntarily resigning from that office.

“Rather, I hereby suggest to him to take this unfounded suspicion of possible bias against Muslims in the conduct of the affairs of his office as a springboard that would spur him to side more with justice, fair play and neutrality, which are the basic and compulsory requirements of his office,” Hon said.

February 8, 2026
Muslim group urges Tinubu, N’Assembly to review appointment of INEC boss

The National Council of Muslim Youth Organisations (NACOMYO) has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Assembly and the Council of State to review the appointment of Professor Joash Amupitan as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

In a statement signed by its National President, Alhaji Sani Suleiman Maigoro, and National Secretary, Alhaji Mas’ud Akintola, and made available to journalists on Saturday, the group expressed concerns over the appointment ahead of the 2027 general elections.

NACOMYO said it considered the leadership of the electoral body a sensitive national responsibility that requires broad public confidence and trust across all segments of the country.

It noted that any issue capable of generating apprehension among stakeholders should be addressed early to preserve the integrity of the democratic process.

The organisation said its appeal was driven by what it described as the need to ensure national unity, electoral credibility and public confidence in the country’s democratic institutions.

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It urged the relevant authorities to take proactive steps that would strengthen the legitimacy of the electoral process before the next general elections.

According to the group, reviewing the appointment would demonstrate the commitment of the Presidency and other key institutions to transparency, fairness and inclusiveness in the management of the nation’s elections.

NACOMYO added that the electoral management body must be led by individuals who enjoy broad-based acceptance and whose leadership would not generate avoidable controversies or concerns among political actors and the general public.

The organisation maintained that the credibility of the electoral process remains central to the stability of the country’s democracy, noting that public perception of neutrality and fairness in the leadership of INEC is essential for peaceful and credible elections.

February 8, 2026
INEC’s recognition will restore stability in PDP – Wike-backed faction
- …as Turaki group kick
The Nyesom Wike-backed faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has welcomed the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise the National Caretaker Committee over the Tanimu Turaki-led National Working Committee, describing the move as a step towards restoring stability and constitutional order within the party.

In a statement, the National Publicity Secretary of the caretaker committee, Jungudo Haruna Mohammed, said INEC’s decision to respect and uphold a valid court order was commendable, noting that it demonstrated the commission’s commitment to the rule of law and internal party democracy.

The statement read, “The recent decision by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognize the leadership of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) represents a decisive and commendable intervention toward restoring stability, order, and constitutional governance within our great party.

“This recognition comes at a critical moment in the life of the PDP, particularly as preparations gradually begin for the party’s National Convention and the strategic task of positioning the party to effectively field credible candidates for the 2027 general elections.

“By affirming a lawful leadership structure following the Federal High Court Judgement, INEC has helped to remove uncertainties capable of undermining the party’s organizational processes and electoral readiness.

“The National Caretaker Working Committee commends the Commission for its steadfast commitment to due process and the rule of law. Such institutional courage strengthens Nigeria’s democracy and reassures party members and supporters that legality, not arbitrariness, remains the guiding principle in electoral matters.

“This development should serve as a rallying point for all loyal party faithful. The time has come to set aside differences, embrace reconciliation, and channel our collective energy towards strengthening the PDP ahead of 2027 Elections.

Read Also: Wike applauds President’s support for Judiciary, other arms

“Nigerians look to our party for responsible leadership and a credible alternative, and we must not allow internal disputes to distract us from this historic responsibility.

“We therefore urge stakeholders across all levels of the party to support the recognized leadership of Abdulrahman Mohammed as it works towards organizing a successful convention, restoring cohesion, and laying the groundwork for the emergence of competent candidates who will carry the banner of the PDP to victory in the next electoral cycle”.

Meanwhile, the group has given indication that may take over the national Secretariat of the party which was closed down in November by the police on Monday.

Efforts by the Turaki led leadership to get the court to compel the police to open the secretariat has been unsuccessful.

The Nation learnt however that the Turaki faction are not backing down as they have warned against any unlawful takeover of the secretariat by those they call none members.

As at the time of this report, INEC were yet to list members of the caretaker committee on its website as the recognised leaders of the party.

The Tanimu Turaki faction had described the INEC decision said it was prepared to challenge the INEC decision in court.

The statement said, “We are aware that the Independent National Electoral Commission invited the leaders of political parties to a meeting today and extended the invitation to some former members of our party who are purporting to lead a so-called National Caretaker Committee, to represent our party, whereas there is no such provision in our constitution.

“This action, though ordinarily vexatious and capable of causing widespread breach of peace, will be met with all possible legal response. Though not unexpected of this current INEC leadership, but it is expected that an impartial umpire would have taken notice of the pendency of the matters in the Court of Appeal (including the judgment which they are relying upon),which when decided, will effectively affect the subject under consideration; and exercised restraint, therefrom. We can assure that INEC will not choose a leadership for our party.

“Consequently, we urge all our members to remain calm and hopeful that soonest the Court of Appeal will hear and determine all the cases concerning the leadership of our party.

“We assure that the Rebirth movement of our party, under the able leadership of Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN is steady and secure, and will ultimately surmount all these challenges, to present a stronger and more united party to Nigerians, as a credible alternative to the ruling party that has brought untold sorrows, tears and blood to Nigerians.”
February 6, 2026
Credibility of elections, democracy depends on ability to secure electoral process – INEC

Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof.Joash Amupitan, said on Friday that the credibility of the nation’s elections, and indeed ‘our democracy’, depends largely on the ability of security agents to secure the electoral process from start to finish.

Speaking at the first quarterly consultative meeting with security agencies, the INEC Chairman said elections succeed when institutions work in harmony, adding that INEC will continue to rely the professionalism, neutrality and commitment of the security agents to duty.

He stressed the need to remain vigilant, proactive and united in purpose as we navigate this demanding electoral year.

He disclosed that starting with the Area Council elections to bye-elections and off-cycle governorship elections, the tempo of electoral activities is rising steadily as as the nation move towards the 2027 General Election.

He said “this reality places a greater burden on our collective shoulders. Security agencies must, therefore, up the ante in planning, deployment, intelligence gathering and inter-agency coordination, to ensure that every electoral activity is conducted in a safe, peaceful and credible environment.”

He commended the security agencies for the role they played in the successful conduct of the Anambra governorship election, saying “given the historical security challenges associated with elections in the state, expectations were cautious and concerns were understandable.

“I am pleased to state, without equivocation, that the conduct of the election and the peaceful environment in which it was held stand as a testament to the professionalism and dedication of our security agencies. Your effective deployment, proactive intelligence coordination and firm response to threats ensured that the electoral space was sufficiently secured.

“The Commission was able to declare a winner on the first ballot, despite past experiences in the state. This outcome would not have been possible without the commitment of security personnel who protected voters, electoral officials, materials and critical infrastructure. On behalf of the Commission, I commend you for a job well done”.

Speaking on the FCT Area Council Elections, he said “As campaigns draw to a close on Thursday, 19th February, 2026, we look to the security agencies to ensure strict enforcement of the law, prevent the misuse of thugs, curb vote buying and guarantee the safety of voters and election personnel on Election Day.

“However, no amount of administrative readiness can substitute for effective security coordination. I urge all agencies to maintain constant communication, rapid response mechanisms and professionalism at all times, particularly at flashpoints.

“As we approach the 2027 General Election, public interest and expectations continue to rise. While the Commission has finalised its timetable in line with the law, the scale and complexity of the elections demand early and sustained security engagement. Elections cannot be credible if citizens feel unsafe to participate.

“The Commission will soon embark on a nationwide Voter Revalidation Exercise to further sanitise the national register ahead of 2027. This exercise, alongside the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration, will require security support to protect facilities, personnel and citizens, especially in areas prone to disruption”.

Director, Internal Security in the Office of the National Security Adviser, Hassan Abdullahi said the successful conduct of the Anambra governorship election underscores President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to free, credible, and violence-free elections, thereby establishing a positive benchmark for future elections.

He assured they security agencies will actively mobilize resources and implement measures to prevent any actions that could disrupt the electoral process during the FCT Area elections.

He said “adequate security personnel will be deployed to polling stations and high-risk electoral wards, warning that political thugs and politicians with violent dispositions will be identified and reprimanded or restrained before, during and after the elections, while vote buyers will be traced and apprehended.

“Political parties, candidates, and their supporters are therefore urged to conduct themselves with decorum and uphold the integrity of the democratic process; any noncompliance will be dealt with severely in accordance with the law”.

February 6, 2026
INEC can’t choose leadership for PDP – Turaki

The Taminu Turaki-led National Working Committee (NWC) of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said that Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) cannot choose a leadership for the party.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, stated this while reacting to the INEC quarterly consultative meeting with political parties, attended by the Abdulraman Mohammed-led National Caretaker Committee (NCC).

“We are aware that the Independent National Electoral Commission invited the leaders of political parties to a meeting today (Thursday).

“We are also aware that INEC extended the invitation to some former members of our party who are purporting to lead a so-called National Caretaker Committee, to represent our party, whereas there is no such provision in our constitution.

“This action, though ordinarily vexatious and capable of causing widespread breach of peace, will be met with all possible legal response.

Read Also: PDP State chairmen back Turaki-led faction

“Though not unexpected of this current INEC leadership, but it is expected that an impartial umpire would have taken notice of the pendency of the matters in the Court of Appeal.

“This include the judgment which they are relying upon, which, when decided, will effectively affect the subject under consideration; and exercised restraint, therefrom.

“We can assure that INEC will not choose a leadership for our party,” Ememobong said.

He urged all PDP members to remain calm and hopeful that soonest, the Court of Appeal would hear and determine all the cases concerning the leadership of the party.

“We assure that the rebirth movement of our party, under the able leadership of Tanimu Turaki, SAN, is steady and secure.

“It will ultimately surmount all these challenges, to present a stronger and more united party to Nigerians, as a credible alternative to the ruling party,” he said.

(NAN)

February 6, 2026
Political parties’ internal crisis have negative impact on electoral integrity, says INEC

Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Prof. Joash Amupitan said on Thursday that internal crisis and lack of internal party democracy within registered political parties were having a negative impact on the nation’s electoral integrity.

Speaking at the first quarterly consultative meeting between the commission and leaders of the registered political parties, the INEC Chairman said that frequent leadership squabbles within various political parties across our esteemed nation.

He said numerous litigations, in which the Commission often finds itself joined as a party, divert its attention from the primary mandate of ensuring free, fair, and credible elections in Nigeria, adding that as the guardians of our electoral process, we are compelled to address these issues not just for the sake of our institution, but for the greater good of our democracy

He said, “Our collective commitment to maintaining the integrity of our electoral processes is being challenged by the unfortunate and increasingly frequent leadership squabbles within various political parties across our esteemed nation.

“The essence of democracy is rooted in the ability of political parties to flourish, debate, and contest ideologies in a manner that respects the tenets of fair play and mutual respect.

“However, it is with great concern that I note the current trend of infighting among party leaderships, which not only detracts from the core objectives of these political entities but also spills over into unnecessary legal battles that tax our judicial system and public resources.

“These numerous litigations, in which the Commission often finds itself joined as a party, divert our attention from our primary mandate: to ensure free, fair, and credible elections in Nigeria. As the guardians of our electoral process, we are compelled to address these issues not just for the sake of our institution, but for the greater good of our democracy.

“The implications of these squabbles are far-reaching. They create an environment of uncertainty for party members and supporters, erode public trust in the political system, and undermine the democratic process that we all hold dear. Each litigation not only consumes time and resources but also distracts from the important work of mobilizing voters and engaging with the public on critical national issues.

“As an Independent body, INEC remains neutral, but we seek to remind all political parties that cohesive and transparent leadership is essential for the health of our democracy. We urge party leaders to prioritize constructive dialogue over divisive disputes, to foster unity within their ranks, and to focus on policy development and community engagement rather than internal strife.”

Speaking on the registration of new political parties, the INEC Chairman announced the registration of two new political parties to bring the number of parties in the country to 21.

Prof. Amupitan said, “You will recall that the Commission received a total of 171 letters of intent from associations seeking registration as political parties. The associations were assessed in line with Sections 222 and 223 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), Sections 75 and 79(1), (2) and (4) of the Electoral Act, 2022, as well as Clause 2 of the Commission’s Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties, 2022.

“Consequently, 14 associations that satisfied the initial prequalification were invited to proceed to the next stage. Of these, 8 successfully uploaded their documents on the Commission’s dedicated portal.

“They are the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), Citizens Democratic Alliance (CDA), Abundance Social Party (ASP), African Alliance Party (AAP), Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA), Green Future Party (GFP), National Democratic Party (NDP), and the Peoples Freedom Party (PFP).

“Out of the eight above, only two qualified for final assessment and verification of due compliance with the Constitution and the Electoral Act. After due consideration, only the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) was found to have complied fully with the requirements of the law.

“Accordingly, the Commission has decided to register the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) as a political party, effective from today, 5th February 2025.

“Furthermore, the Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja, Kogi State, in Suit No. FHC/LKJ/CS/49/2025 between Barr Takori Mohammed Sanni & Ors v. INEC ordered the Commission to register the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as a political party.

“The Commission has decided to comply with the order and is being registered as a political party. Certificate of Registration will be handed over to the two new political parties in due course”.

He assured that the Commission remains committed to openness and accountability as the nation navigates this period of intense electoral activity, beginning with the FCT Area Council polls on February 21, 2026, to the upcoming governorship contests in Ekiti and Osun.

He said, “INEC under my leadership will continue to be guided by the provisions of the electoral legal framework comprising the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Electoral Act, our regulations and guidelines, and practice direction from the Courts.

“As we look towards the 2027 General Elections, it is imperative that we remain vigilant and proactive. We must prepare for a seamless electoral process that embodies the ideals of democracy, justice, and inclusivity.”

Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, Dr. Yusuf Dantalle, said the responsibility before us is enormous. Nigerians’ expectations for a better, stronger, and more prosperous democratic nation are exceedingly high. As the electoral umpire, INEC bears a profound constitutional duty.

The IPAC Chairman said the Commission must remain independent, neutral, fair, firm, and decisive in conducting elections that are free, fair, credible, transparent, and inclusive, and must always provide a level playing field for all political parties and candidates, mindful that its integrity is tested each time citizens go to the polls.

He said IPAC is aware of leadership disputes within some political parties and asked INEC to be guided strictly by the constitutions of the respective parties when addressing such matters, particularly concerning the leadership it recognizes and publishes on its website.

“Such recognition confers legitimacy and determines the official leadership with which the Commission engages. Adhering to this principle will dispel perceptions of bias, complicity, or interference in internal party affairs.

“It will also reduce the litigations that have disrupted party activities, prevented some parties from fielding candidates, and created uncertainty about their relevance and viability. This situation is detrimental to sustainable democracy and national development.”

Dantalle appealed to political party leaders to utilize IPAC’s internal alternative dispute resolution mechanisms rather than resorting prematurely to the courts, even after the Supreme Court has repeatedly affirmed a lack of jurisdiction over internal party leadership disputes.

He said, “After 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance, 66 years of Independence, and over a century of political party development in Nigeria, as we approach the eighth general election under INEC’s supervision, we must resolve to get it right. There should be no excuse for elections that fall short of credibility, transparency, and public acceptability.

Read Also: BREAKING: INEC regist e r two new parties

“We must collectively demonstrate faith in the democratic process and an unwavering commitment to making it work. Accordingly, IPAC urges political parties to uphold internal democracy and strictly comply with their constitutional provisions in the nomination of candidates and changes in leadership.

“There must be no room for the imposition of candidates or unlawful tenure elongation in violation of party constitutions. As party leaders, we must lead by example and uphold democratic values, ethics, and principles.

“IPAC calls on the National Assembly of Nigeria to expedite action on the harmonization of the electoral legal framework for the forthcoming general election, as time is of the essence. IPAC had advocated for the real-time transmission of the election results to the IReV portal to be mandatory.

“Citizens expect an improved electoral framework that restores trust and confidence in the democratic system — one in which every vote counts and the people’s mandate is respected. The sanctity of the ballot is the foundation of durable democracy, and we must defend it to preserve constitutional governance.

“IPAC also advocates for the conduct of all elections on the same day. This approach will reduce costs, prevent bandwagon effects, and address voter fatigue and low turnout associated with staggered polls.

“The conduct of the FCT Area Council election and the forthcoming governorship elections in Ekiti State and Osun State will send a strong signal regarding expectations for the 2027 General Election. The Commission must rise to the occasion. Indeed, the eyes of the nation — and the world — are upon us.

“As the umbrella body of all registered political parties in Nigeria, IPAC will continue to collaborate with INEC and other stakeholders in deepening democracy, fostering political stability, and creating an environment conducive to successful elections and the well-being of citizens.”

February 5, 2026
BREAKING: INEC register two new parties

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the registration of two new political parties, bring the number of parties in the country to 21.

National Chairman of INEC, Prof. Joaish Amupitan, who announced this at the first quarterly meeting with political party leaders listed the new parties as Democratic Leadership Alliance and National Democratic Congress.

Prof. Amupitan said while only the Democratic Leadership Alliance met all the conditions for the registration of political parties, the National Democratic Congress is being registered in obedience to the judgement of the Federal High Court in Lokoja.

Read Also: INEC to revalidate voter register before 2027 polls

He said certificate of registration will be handed over to the new political parties

Details shortly…

February 5, 2026
BREAKING: INEC recognises Wike-backed PDP faction

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has tacitly recognised the FCT Minister, Nyelsom Wike-backed National Caretaker Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Abdulrahman Mohammed.

The duo of Mohammed and the Acting National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu are part of party leaders attending the first quarterly meeting between the commission and political party leaders.

The meeting is meant for only national chairmen and National Secretaries of all registered parties recognised by the Commission.

Read Also: INEC to revalidate voter register before 2027 polls

The Federal High Court in Ibadan had directed the commission to recognise the Abdulrahman Mohammed led caretaker Committee as the genuine leadership of the party.

Details shortly…

February 5, 2026
INEC to revalidate voter register before 2027 polls
- Commission ready with poll-time-table •New parties coming
Voter register will be revalidated before the general elections next year, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said.

The electoral agency Chairman, Prof Joash Amupitan, who stated this yesterday, spoke of the urgent need to review the register, which was compiled in 2011 but updated for the 2015, 2019, 2023 elections.

According to him a comprehensive review will ensure the removal of all the names that should not be in the register.

Amupitan highlighted the electoral umpire’s preparations for the 2027 polls at the first quarterly meeting with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs).

He also announced that new parties that scaled the qualification hurdle will be registered before the election.

He also gave updates on the preparation for the Abuja Area Council elections and the by-elections in Rivers and Kano states.

On the voter register, Amupitan said: “Nigeria’s national register, first compiled ahead of the 2011 General Election, has since been continuously updated and deployed in the General Elections of 2011, 2015, 2019 and 2023, as well as in several off-cycle governorship and bye-elections. As of the 2023 general election, the register stood at 93,469,008 voters.

“However, persistent challenges – including duplicated registrations, under-age registration, registration by non-citizens, deceased voters and incomplete or inaccurate records – continue to generate legitimate concerns. Such anomalies undermine public confidence in the electoral process.

“In response, the Commission will embark on a thorough clean-up with a view to further sanitising and strengthening the integrity of the register. Accordingly, the Commission will be embarking on a nationwide Voter Revalidation ahead of the 2027 general election”.

He said that a close study of the register revealed the names of some dead prominent Nigerians on the list, necessitating it’s clean-up to remove the deceased because “we don’t expect the dead to come and vote and that affect our electoral integrity.”

New parties coming

On the registration of new political parties, the INEC Chairman said: “You will recall that the Commission received a total of 171 letters of intent from associations seeking registration as political parties.

“The associations were assessed in line with Section 222 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), Section 79(1), (2) and (4) of the Electoral Act, 2022, as well as Clause 2 of the Commission’s Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties, 2022.

Read Also: JUST IN: INEC finalises 2027 election timetable amid Electoral Act passage delay

“Several of the associations were unable to fulfill the constitutional requirements and the requirements of the Electoral Act, 2022, as well as the Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties. The successful association(s) will soon be announced by the Commission.”

Time-table for 2027

Amupitan said: “We are mindful of the growing public interest and anticipation surrounding the release of the timetable and wish to assure political parties and the Nigerian public that the time-table and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 general election will be released in full compliance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), and the Electoral Act, 2022.

“Having said that, we seek your support in urging the National Assembly to expedite action on the ongoing amendment of the Electoral Act.”

Amupitan explained that the release of the timetable is being delayed because some of the provisions in the amendment may affect the timetable.

How by-elections will go in Rivers, Kano

On the proposed Area Council election and by-elections in Kano and Rivers, Amupitan said non-sensitive materials for the elections are being batched at the various Area Councils.

He added: “The election will involve 1,680,315 registered voters across 2,822 polling units (PUs) in the six (6) Area Councils of the FCT – namely Abaji, the Abuja Municipal Area Council, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje and Kwali. It will be contested by 570 candidates in 68 (sixty-eight) constituencies for the positions of Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen, and 62 (sixty-two) Councilors made up of 10 (ten) wards each for five Area Councils and 12 (twelve) wards for the Abuja Municipal Area Council.

“The Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the election, which was released on 23 January 2025, consists of 13 (thirteen) key activities, 10 (ten) of which have already been completed.

“The remaining activities relate to the publication of the Notice of Poll, the last day of campaigns and Election Day itself. Parties are reminded that campaigns end on Thursday, 19th February 2026.

“On our part, non-sensitive materials have been delivered and batched at each Area Council, recruitment and training of Ad Hoc personnel have been concluded, BVAS devises are being configured for accreditation and upload of results to the IReV portal, and sensitive materials will be delivered a day before the election.

“There will be a mock accreditation on Saturday, 7th February, in 289 selected Polling Units (PUs) across the six Area councils.

“The selected PUs will be made available on the Commission’s website. While INEC has deployed specialised resources and targeted sensitisation programmes to empower voters with disabilities and ensure inclusivity, 83 domestic and five foreign observers have been accredited for the polls.

“Also on 21st February, the Commission will conduct by-elections in Ahoada East II and Khana II State Constituencies of Rivers State. T

“The vacancies in Ahoada East II and Khana II arose from the resignation and death of the elected members, respectively.

”In Ahoada East II, voting by 41,085 registered voters will take place in 87 (eighty-seven) polling units (PUs) across six wards, while in Khana II, 71,865 registered voters are expected to vote in 155 polling units across eight wards.

“Similarly, bye-elections will be conducted on the same day for the Kano Municipal and Ungogo State Constituencies of Kano State as a result of the death of the two serving members.

“In the Kano Municipal constituency, 330,228 registered voters will vote in 630 polling units (PUS) across 13 wards, while in Ungogo constituency, 205,418 registered voters will vote in 384 polling units (PUs) across 11 wards. Ten political parties are participating in both bye-elections.

“Furthermore, in compliance with Section 28(1) and (2) of the Electoral Act, 2022, the Commission, on 25th June, 2025, announced that the Ekiti State Governorship Election will be held on 20th June, 2026, across 2,445 polling units in the 16 LGAs of the State.

“Of the 13 activities outlined in the election timetable, eight (8) have already been completed. In addition, the Osun State Governorship Election is scheduled for Saturday, 8th August, 2026. For that election, the third activity in the approved timetable is presently underway.”

On the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR), Amupitan said: “In the first phase of the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration exercise conducted from 18th August to 10th December 2025, the Commission registered a total of 2,782,589 eligible voters. The second phase commenced on 5th January 2026 and will run until 17th April 2026.

“The entire CVR exercise is scheduled to span one year and will conclude on 30th August 2026. We are encouraged by the strong public response to the exercise, which affirms the continuing belief of Nigerians in the democratic process and in the efforts of the Commission to ensure that every eligible citizen is afforded the opportunity to register and vote.

“For transparency purposes, data on completed online pre-registrations and physical registrations are published weekly on the Commission’s website”.

The INEC Chairman appealed to the CSO to mobilise the FCT Council Areas’ residents to go out and collect their PVC, adding that ongoing PVC distribution in the FCT will end on Wednesday and we do not want anyone to be disenfranchised.

He said: “Let’s work together to monitor the activities of the political parties, especially their campaigns and general conduct in the election. Let’s sensitise the public, particularly political party members, to refrain from hate speech, vote buying, misinformation, disinformation and violence during campaigns, and to conduct their activities strictly within the framework of the law.

“There is still so much to be done in the areas of civic, voter education and gender inclusion amid the rising voter apathy that we have experienced in recent election cycles. Let’s collaborate to tackle this malaise.

“As we look towards the 2027 General Elections, it is imperative that we remain vigilant and proactive. We must prepare for a seamless electoral process that embodies the ideals of democracy, justice, and inclusivity. This is a collective responsibility, and each one of you plays a vital role in fostering democracy in Nigeria”.
February 5, 2026
Be vigilant, prepare for seamless 2027 elections, INEC chairman tells Nigerians

Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Joash Amupitan said on Wednesday that Nigerians should be vigilant and prepare for seamless 2027 general elections.

Speaking at the first quarterly meeting with media executive, the INEC Chairman warn against misinformation and misinformation in the country down to the general elections.

He said, “As we navigate this period of intense electoral activity (from the FCT Area Council polls on February 21, 2026 to the upcoming governorship contests in Ekiti and Osun), the Commission remains committed to openness and accountability.

“However, let me remind you that the strongest electoral systems can be undermined by misinformation, misinterpretation, deliberate distortion and Foreign Information Manipulation & Interference (FIMI). We, therefore, urge you to promote accurate reporting at all time.

“Our official website and all digital channels are veritable and authoritative points of contact for the media. Officials of the Commission authorised to speak with the media will continue to do their job.

Read Also: JUST IN: INEC uncovers deceased persons’ names on voters’ register, plans nationwide verification

“Let me end by reiterating that elections are no longer just contested only at the polling units, they are contested in the information space. As such, I urge the media to rise up against mis/disinformation so as to protect the sanctity of our electoral process.”

Prof. Amupitan asked Nigerians to be vigilant and prepare for a seamless elections saying “as we look towards the 2027 General Elections, it is imperative that we remain vigilant and proactive.

“We must prepare for a seamless electoral process that embodies the ideals of democracy, justice, and inclusivity. This is a collective responsibility, and each one of you plays a vital role in fostering democracy in Nigeria.”

February 4, 2026