Israel Oluyemi
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, has secured the backing of the National Civil Society Council of Nigeria [ NCSCN] amid rising calls for his resignation.
The council announced its position in Abuja, where its Executive Director, Blessing Akinlosotu, addressed journalists.
He described the push for the chairman’s removal as politically driven and declared, “The NCSCN hereby issues a resolute and unanimous vote of confidence in Amupitan.”
Akinlosotu linked the support to the chairman’s stance on legal compliance, citing his refusal to yield to political pressure in electoral matters.
He credited ongoing electoral reforms, including the use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, for strengthening transparency and reducing manipulation, noting a shift “towards a system where votes truly count.”
He also pointed to recent elections as indicators of progress under the current leadership.
The council urged political actors to seek redress through the courts rather than public agitation.
It further warned that any group that participates in planned protests against the commission will face sanctions, stressing that “the civil society space will not be rented for partisan warfare.”