The caucus of the African Democratic Congress in the House of Representatives has called on President Bola Tinubu to immediately sack and prosecute the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof Joash Amupitan, over allegations of partisanship ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The position was made public on Monday by its leader, Afam Ogene, who read the resolution following a meeting of the group in Abuja.

Ogene said recent actions and alleged statements attributed to Amupitan had cast doubt on his ability to serve as a neutral umpire.

“The caucus raised concerns regarding the impartiality and neutrality of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof Joash Amupitan, to oversee a free, fair, and credible 2027 general elections.

“This follows recent public statements and actions by the chairman that have been deemed compromising, partisan, and conflicted.

“It has been alleged that he previously made a partisan statement on his personal X account, wherein he expressed support for the ruling All Progressives Congress.

“Additionally, he has been accused of posting content alleging Christian genocide in Nigeria.

“Although INEC has denied that Prof Amupitan is the owner of the X account in question, digital forensic analysis and other online investigations by various sources suggest that the account is indeed his and that the phone number used to create it is registered in his name.

“This has raised concerns regarding his transparency, integrity, and trustworthiness, particularly given the critical nature of the office he holds, which will have far-reaching implications for the nation,” Ogene said.

He added that, “In light of these inconsistencies and concerns regarding impartiality and integrity, the House caucus, on Monday, April 13, 2026, hereby calls for the removal of Prof Amupitan from office and advocates for his prosecution, to safeguard the nation against an avoidable descent into undemocratic practices.”

The latest demand comes against the backdrop of a deepening leadership crisis within the ADC, which the caucus blames squarely on INEC’s actions.

At the centre of the dispute is the removal of former Senate President, David Mark, as the recognised leader of the party. Mark had previously been acknowledged by INEC as the authentic leader of the ADC after meeting the required legal and administrative conditions, a position the party said was backed by documentation, including an affidavit issued by the commission.

However, INEC’s subsequent decision to withdraw that recognition alongside that of a rival faction, led by Nafiu Bala, triggered internal divisions, legal battles, and uncertainty over the party’s structure ahead of the 2027 elections.

ADC lawmakers argued that the commission’s intervention in what they described as an internal party matter had worsened the crisis and could ultimately prevent the party from fielding candidates.

“The caucus is gravely concerned about the ostensibly undemocratic action taken by INEC, under the leadership of Prof Amupitan, which appears to deny the ADC the opportunity to participate in the forthcoming elections.

“This is being achieved through the perpetuation of a leadership crisis within the party, whereby INEC has abdicated its responsibility as an impartial arbiter and instead intervened in the party’s internal affairs.

“Specifically, the commission seems to be recognising an illegitimate leadership faction, contrary to the authentic leadership of Senator David Mark, which had previously been acknowledged and certified by INEC itself, having met the requisite criteria, as evidenced by a recent affidavit issued by the commission.

“We note that the commission, in collusion with certain elements within the judiciary, is actively working to undermine the aspirations of the ADC, thereby preventing the party from fielding candidates in the forthcoming elections, through duplicitous means that serve to obstruct inclusivity within the democratic process.

“In fact, credible information at our disposal suggests that certain individuals within the judiciary and INEC are collaborating to influence the outcome of a case coming up on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, regarding the leadership question in the ADC, potentially impacting the recognition of a discredited faction,” Ogene added.

Beyond INEC, the caucus also raised concerns about alleged judicial interference in political matters, warning that it would escalate its response if necessary.

It said plans were underway to petition the National Judicial Council to investigate judges accused of partisan conduct, referencing recent remarks by Nigerian Bar Association President, Afam Osigwe.

“We are vigilant and have concluded plans, on behalf of the Nigerian people, to submit a petition before the National Judicial Council to the effect that politically exposed judicial officers, as recently outlined by the NBA president, Afam Osigwe, SAN, be made to undergo investigations and possible removal from the Bench,” the caucus concluded

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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Monday challenged the African Democratic Congress to provide evidence of its application to use Eagle Square, dismissing claims that authorities blocked the party from accessing the venue for its national convention.

Wike, who spoke with journalists during an inspection of ongoing projects in Abuja, said no formal request had been submitted to his office or any relevant authority, insisting that the venue remains open to all organisations that comply with established procedures.

The minister’s remarks come amid allegations by the ADC that it was denied approval to use Eagle Square and the Velodrome of the National Stadium, Abuja, claims Wike described as unfounded and an attempt to court public sympathy.

He described the allegations as incorrect and not based on any official application process.

“These claims are unfounded. If any party insists it was denied access, let them provide evidence of a formal application submitted and acknowledged by the relevant authorities,” he said.

The ADC, speaking through its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, had accused the authorities of frustrating its preparations for its national convention slated for Tuesday, April 14, by allegedly withholding approval to use Eagle Square and the Velodrome at the National Stadium, Abuja.

The opposition party had claimed that its requests were ignored, without a response.

The party claimed that since the venues were denied, it would conduct its convention at the Rainbow Event Centre in Abuja.

Responding, Wike explained that no request had been formally submitted by the groups making the claims, adding that the venue remained open to all organisations that meet the required conditions.

The minister said, “Who denied them? I am not aware of any such development, and I don’t even know which party you are referring to.

“If it is the African Democratic Congress, such claims are their usual attempt to gain public sympathy.

“As we speak, no formal application has been submitted to my office or any relevant authority to use Eagle Square.

“For example, when the Peoples Democratic Party held its convention, it followed due process and paid the necessary fees. The same applied to the All Progressives Congress.

“We do not deny any group access to the venue as long as they follow the established procedures. In fact, such events generate revenue for the government.”

Wike also addressed reports suggesting that the Kugbo Bus Terminal had collapsed, describing the claims as inaccurate.

He said the incident involved damage to roofing sheets caused by a severe windstorm, which affected parts of the structure due to its elevated location.

According to him, the main building remained intact, while repair work was ongoing.

He urged members of the public to ignore reports of a collapse, noting that no casualties were recorded.

Wike explained, “The terminal did not collapse. The structure is intact. What happened was that strong winds blew off parts of the roof. Repairs are ongoing.”

In a separate update on infrastructure projects in Abuja, the minister expressed satisfaction with the pace of ongoing works, stating that several key road and streetlight projects were expected to be completed before the end of May.

He disclosed that road construction was scheduled to be completed by May 15, while streetlight installation was expected to be concluded by May 31.

The minister said, “The contractors have assured us that road works will be completed by May 15, while streetlight installations will be finalised before the end of May.”

Wike also highlighted progress at the Wassa artisan relocation site, a project designed to provide a permanent location for mechanics and other informal sector workers.

“Successive administrations have promised this relocation, but we are finally fulfilling that commitment,” he said.

He added that the project, being handled by CGC Nigeria Limited, was moving steadily, attributing the progress to coordination between contractors and government agencies.

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As exclusively reported by The PUNCH, the Ogun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, on Monday, adopted the senator representing Ogun West Senatorial District, Solomon Adeola, popularly called Yayi, as its governorship candidate for the 2027 general elections.

The decision to field the lawmaker as the party’s governorship candidate was announced at a state strategic caucus meeting presided over by the state chairman of the party, Yemi Sanusi, and held at the party secretariat in Abeokuta.

The meeting was attended by Governor Dapo Abiodun, former governors Chief Olusegun Osoba, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, and Gbenga Daniel, despite his reported suspension by the party since August last year.

Others present included Senator Iyabo Obasanjo; Gboyega Isiaka, who represents Imeko/Afon Federal Constituency and is also a governorship aspirant; and other serving and former members of the state House of Assembly and National Assembly.

Abiodun, at the event, announced Adeola as the party’s consensus governorship candidate and urged other aspirants to rally round him, stressing the need for party unity over personal interests.

The announcement was followed by jubilation among party members, who chanted, “Yayi ni jo, Yayi ni jare.”

In his acceptance speech, Adeola thanked party members for the confidence reposed in him, pledging not to disappoint the party.

He said, “Now is all the sacrifices that my brothers have put together to ensure this day comes to pass.

I believe in oneness and the unity of our dear state and Ogun West by extension.

“I know the vision for this state. I know how passionate and how central this state is to the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“As far as maintaining our status aside from being the fastest-growing economy in Nigeria, all efforts that have been put in place to ensure that we reposition this state and take our pride of place in the comity of states in this country are well recognised.

“Your Excellency, my dear leaders who are here, I want to assure you that I will not let you down.

“I promise to keep the flag flying. I promise to retain and maintain the unity, peace, and progress that have taken place in Ogun State for the last three years and beyond. I can assure you I will not derail.

“I will not derail the ship I am about to take over. I will make sure that it does not derail, and by the special grace of God, I will do my best, my utmost best, to keep every member of our great party together, to keep the state together, and to ensure that irrespective of our political alignment, we are one indivisible family.”

Yayi added, “Going forward from today, Your Excellency and all the leaders of the party, I want to assure you that a new Ogun State is born, and everything that needs to be done to keep us together, to keep us as one indivisible entity, so that we can take Ogun State to the promised land and to the next level we all desire, will be done.”

The state chairman, Yemi Sanusi, said the meeting was convened to preserve party unity before, during, and after the primaries.

He stressed the importance of rancour-free primaries, noting that the caucus meeting was aimed at carrying all stakeholders along and ensuring the party remained united ahead of the 2027 elections.

The PUNCH had reported on March 24, 2026, that the APC is moving toward a consensus arrangement to settle on the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Obafemi Hamzat, as its governorship candidate for the 2027 election in Lagos State.

The report added that party stakeholders also favoured the Yayi for Ogun State, and the senator representing Oyo South Senatorial District, Sharafadeen Alli, for Oyo State.

The purported decisions, according to that report, emerged from a meeting of APC stakeholders from the three states with President Bola Tinubu in Lagos during the Sallah holiday.

Following the consensus, Iyabo Obasanjo, on Monday, suspended her governorship ambition.

In a statement she signed and made available to journalists, the daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo stated that she had decided to put her ambition on hold following the party’s pick of Yayi as consensus candidate.

The former lawmaker representing Ogun Central between 2007 and 2011 congratulated Yayi and wished him well in his future endeavours.

Obasanjo equally thanked the party leaders and all her supporters across the state, praising them for their unwavering steadfastness and unprecedented support while her consultation across the state lasted.

She stated that “At the Ogun APC caucus meeting held today, April 13, 2026, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi) was announced as the consensus candidate of our party for the 2027 gubernatorial election.

“I congratulate him and wish him every success. I also thank the state and national leaders of our great party for the opportunity to participate in the nomination process.

“Based on these developments, I have decided to suspend my gubernatorial aspiration.

“To my supporters across Ogun State, I am deeply grateful for your calm, steadfast support and unwavering trust throughout this journey. Together, we move forward with patience, strength and hope.”