The Movement for Credible Elections (MCE) has urged the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, to step aside over what it described as a growing crisis of confidence ahead of the 2027 general elections. At the same time, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has raised renewed concerns about the increasing influence of money in Nigeria’s electoral system, warning that vote-buying and the dominance of wealthy political actors could undermine credible elections.
Security authorities have also pledged to clamp down on electoral offences, with the police stating that arrests will be made for vote-buying and other criminal activities during the June 20, 2026, governorship election in Ekiti State. This came as the International Press Centre (IPC) engaged journalists in Ekiti at a two-day stakeholders’ dialogue focused on strengthening credible elections.
In a statement issued by its Media Coordinator, James Ezema, MCE said its intervention was aimed at safeguarding electoral integrity and restoring public confidence in INEC. The group alleged that recent digital traces linked to the INEC chairman suggested possible partisan leanings toward the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), raising questions about his neutrality.
Although Prof. Amupitan has denied the claims, MCE said the explanation had not fully addressed public concerns and had instead intensified calls for independent scrutiny. The organisation warned that the controversy could escalate into legal and institutional disputes that may distract the electoral body ahead of the 2027 polls.
It further argued that digital forensic tools, including access logs and identity verification systems, could help establish the truth if an independent investigation is carried out. Beyond the current allegations, MCE also expressed concern over what it described as repeated perceptions of bias in INEC’s actions, which some stakeholders believe may disadvantage opposition parties. The group therefore called for the INEC chairman to temporarily step down to allow for an independent probe involving judicial officers, civil society representatives, and digital forensic experts.
Meanwhile, CAPPA, in a statement issued after its board meeting in Abuja by Board Chairman Auwal Musa Rafsanjani and Executive Director Akinbode Oluwafemi, warned that the rising monetisation of politics continues to weaken Nigeria’s democracy. The organisation said that vote-buying and undue influence from powerful interests are eroding public trust and distorting electoral outcomes.It cautioned that if left unchecked, these practices could undermine the credibility of the 2027 general elections and weaken democratic governance.
According to CAPPA, democracy should reflect the will of citizens rather than the influence of wealth and political patronage. The organisation noted that concerns about electoral inducement have persisted in recent elections, with observers repeatedly flagging it as a major threat to democratic consolidation. In Ekiti State, the Commissioner of Police, represented by Command spokesperson SP Sunday Abutu, reaffirmed that the police would take firm action against vote-buying during the upcoming governorship election.
He stated that while criminal elements often attempt to disrupt elections, security agencies are prepared to counter such activities and ensure a peaceful process.Abutu added that the police will collaborate with other stakeholders to maintain order and ensure a credible election outcome. He acknowledged the tense nature of electoral periods but assured that proactive measures have been put in place to address potential threats.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Ekiti, Bunmi Omosehindemi, also stressed the importance of voter education and proper accreditation for successful elections. At the dialogue event, International Press Centre Executive Director Lanre Arogundade explained that the programme is part of a broader EU-supported initiative aimed at improving democratic governance and media participation in elections. Journalism expert Taiwo Obe further urged media practitioners to adapt to technological changes, including the use of artificial intelligence, to remain effective in modern journalism and evolving news consumption trends.
Source: https://guardian.ng/politics/
