Obidient Movement Seeks Clarity on INEC Chairman's Absence

On September 16, the Obidient Movement demanded clarification from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) about the whereabouts of its Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan. This request arose after National Commissioner Prof. Rhoda Gumus appeared as Acting Chairman during an official engagement with an African Union delegation, led by former Ethiopian Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen, in Abuja.

The movement's National Coordinator, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, expressed concerns over the lack of public communication regarding Amupitan's absence and the circumstances surrounding it. The group urged INEC to clarify Amupitan's location, the purpose of his absence, and whether he had traveled abroad.

They also questioned if he had met with President Bola Tinubu or representatives of the ruling All Progressives Congress. Tanko emphasized the need for transparency and political neutrality from INEC as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections, stating that public confidence in the commission's leadership is crucial.