INEC Chairman

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise across Nigeria by an additional two weeks.

The electoral body announced that the exercise, which was earlier scheduled to conclude on July 10, 2026, will now end on July 24, 2026.

INEC disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday by Mohammed Haruna, chairman of the commission’s Information and Voter Education Committee.

According to the commission, the decision followed an assessment of the ongoing registration exercise as well as feedback received from state offices, political parties, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders.

Haruna said the extension would allow more eligible Nigerians who have not registered to take part in the exercise before the deadline.

“The extension underscores the commission’s commitment to ensuring that every eligible Nigerian has a fair and reasonable opportunity to be included in the register of voters ahead of future electoral activities,” Haruna said.

INEC also announced the introduction of an online self-service registration platform for Nigerians seeking to register as first-time voters.

The commission said the service will become operational on July 8, 2026, through its dedicated portal.

“In furtherance of its commitment to innovation, accessibility, and improved service delivery, the commission is pleased to announce the introduction of a self-service registration option (online) for eligible first-time voters,” he said.

“The new service will become available from Wednesday, 8th July, 2026 through the commission’s dedicated CVR portal – cvr.inecnigeria.org where the step-by-step guide is also provided.”

Haruna explained that the online option would allow eligible citizens to complete their voter registration process without visiting INEC offices physically.

He added that the platform includes measures aimed at protecting the credibility of the voter register.

According to him, the system contains identity verification features, biometric validation, and integrity checks to ensure accurate registration records.

“The commission urges all eligible Nigerians who are yet to register to take advantage of this extended window and explore the new voter registration technology option,” Haruna said.

“The commission remains committed to a credible, inclusive and accessible voter registration process, and to advancing the use of technology to improve citizens’ experience in the electoral process.”

INEC had resumed the nationwide CVR exercise in January 2026 after the completion of the first phase of the process in December 2025. The commission began online pre-registration in August 2025 before launching physical registration at centres nationwide later that month.

By Muhammad Abubakar

The Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria (SCSN) on Monday disowned viral social media reports alleging that it had directed Muslims to embark on prayers for the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), describing the claims as false and provocative.

In a strongly worded press statement, the Council said the reports, traced to anonymous and unofficial online platforms, were “misleading and unsubstantiated,” warning that they could incite tension and draw the organisation into partisan politics.

“At no time did the Council issue any such directive or threat regarding the conduct of elections,” the statement said.

Reaffirming its non-partisan stance, the SCSN said it remains committed to justice, equity, and peaceful coexistence and will not be used for political manipulation.

However, the Council restated its earlier position that the INEC Chairman should either resign or be removed from office, citing concerns over what it described as prejudicial dispositions against Islam and Muslims. It maintained that its stance was rooted in the need for neutrality and integrity in public office.

The Council urged the public and the media to disregard unofficial statements and rely only on its authorised communication channels.

The statement was signed by the Secretary General, Malam Nafi’u Baba-Ahmad, and issued on April 13, 2026.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A recent fact-check has linked the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, to a controversial X (formerly Twitter) account, sparking fresh calls for his resignation.

The development follows allegations that the INEC boss expressed partisan views in 2023, with critics claiming he showed support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its presidential candidate at the time, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Several civil society organisations, political parties and concerned individuals argue that the alleged conduct undermines his neutrality. They insist that his continued stay in office could weaken public confidence in the electoral body ahead of future elections.

Findings from the investigation revealed that an X account previously bearing the handle @joashamupitan has a consistent digital history dating back to September 2022. The account was later renamed, restricted, and marked as a parody account amid the ongoing controversy.

Posts traced to the account include comments that appeared to favour the APC. On March 17, 2023, in response to a post involving Peter Obi supporters, the account wrote: “They are evil in the 24th century.”

A day later, while reacting to a tweet by APC National Youth Leader Dayo Israel, the account stated: “Victory is sure.”

On April 25, 2023, it responded “Asiwaju.” to a message celebrating Tinubu’s reception in Abuja.

Despite these findings, INEC dismissed the claims. In a statement issued by Chief Press Secretary Adedayo Oketola, the commission described the account as “fake,” noting that it had undergone several changes.

Further checks showed that while the account’s username changed recently, its unique user identification number remained constant. This suggests a continuous digital trail. However, claims linking the account to Amupitan through phone number verification and two-factor authentication could not be independently confirmed.

Reacting to the controversy, Prof. Amupitan, through his media aide, denied owning or operating any X account. He maintained that he has always upheld political neutrality both publicly and privately.

Meanwhile, opposition parties have intensified criticism. A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) accused the INEC chairman of bias and urged him to step down.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, said, “The INEC chairman has been very unpretentious in his partisanship. We have said so severally and can reiterate same.”

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) also condemned the alleged actions, describing them as “a grave affront to the integrity of our electoral system.” The party warned it could escalate protests if the chairman fails to resign.

Civil society groups have joined the call. Comrade Umar Ibrahim Umar of War Against Injustice said the situation has reached a stage where stepping aside may be necessary to protect public trust. He noted that the issue goes beyond personal guilt and affects confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system.

Similarly, Zainab Nasir Ahmad of YOSPIS stressed that credibility in elections depends heavily on public perception. “The moment people begin to doubt the neutrality of the electoral umpire, the legitimacy of the outcome is already at risk, regardless of how well the process is conducted,” she said.

Other stakeholders expressed mixed views. While some insisted on resignation, others advised the INEC chairman to remain fair and transparent in dealing with all political parties.

Legal practitioner Kamilu Ahmad-Paki argued that any evidence of bias is enough to question Amupitan’s suitability for office. “INEC requires a leader of high integrity and neutrality. Once there is evidence of bias or compromise, as in his recent actions and past social media activities, that person does not deserve to hold the position,” he said.

As the debate continues, analysts say the controversy may have lasting implications for public trust in the electoral system if not properly addressed.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Bolaji Abdullahi, spokesperson of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has asked Joash Amupitan, chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to step down over allegations of partisan conduct.

The controversy follows claims circulated online that Amupitan operated a personal account on X and used it to engage with politically biased content.

However, the INEC chairman has denied the allegation. Through his chief press secretary, Adedayo Oketola, Amupitan described the claim as “entirely baseless, a total fabrication, and a figment of the imagination of its purveyors”. He also stated that he has not taken part in political commentary and urged the public to disregard what he called misinformation.

In a statement shared on X on Saturday, Abdullahi said the credibility of the INEC chairman must remain beyond question. He argued that the alleged post undermines trust in the country’s electoral system.

“In a democracy, the umpire must be above suspicion. He must not only be independent, but he must also be seen, beyond any reasonable doubt, to be independent. That is the minimum standard required of anyone entrusted with the sacred duty of conducting free and fair elections,” the statement reads.

“However, more troubling is the desperate attempt to tamper with digital records, to erase evidence of his previous partisanship. This is not a trivial matter. It is a calculated assault on truth and accountability.”

Abdullahi said the comments linked to Amupitan suggest he has not met the expectations required of an electoral umpire.

“The referee cannot be running around in the shirt of one of the teams he’s supposed to officiate in a match. This is why Professor Amupitan must resign. Now,” Abdullahi said.

“Anything less is an insult to the Nigerian people and a dangerous precedent for our democracy.”

He added that the ADC plans to petition relevant bodies, including foreign governments and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), over the allegation.

“We will also renew and escalate our civil disobedience action until the INEC Chairman leaves office,” he added.