INEC Rejects Calls for Chairman's Removal as Distraction

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) issued a statement on Thursday, responding to calls for the removal of its Chairman, asserting that such demands are a distraction and a direct assault on the independence of the electoral body. INEC's Chief Press Secretary, Adedayo Oketola, clarified that the removal process is strictly governed by Section 157 of the 1999 Constitution.

The commission emphasized that it recognizes stakeholders' rights to express views but will not be swayed by political actors' demands. INEC also highlighted its commitment to complying with court judgments, specifically referencing recent cases in Zamfara and Plateau states, where electoral officials were removed for disobeying court orders.

Furthermore, INEC plans to conduct a nationwide voter revalidation exercise to enhance the integrity of the voter register, which includes data from 2011 to 2024. Professor Joash O.

Amupitan was mentioned in relation to the proposed voter revalidation exercise, aimed at confirming the status of registered voters and addressing issues such as multiple registrations and deceased individuals.