INEC boss overrides legal department on ADC issue, moves REC on APC petition

…The accusations of bias deepen

…Stakeholders raise red flags

Daud Olatunji

An investigation by PLATFORM TIMES has found that the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Joash Ojo Amupitan, has allegedly overturned the decision of the commission’s legal department and approved the transfer of Osun State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Mutiu Agboke, based on a controversial petition linked to political actors.

Multiple high-level sources within the commission revealed that the decision was made despite clear legal advice warning against action related to the African Democratic Congress issue, a development that has reportedly triggered internal turmoil and raised new concerns about the commission’s neutrality.

A senior official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the Law Department provided guidance that was ultimately ignored by the commission’s leadership.

“The Legal Department expressed its position on the ADC issue, but it was not taken into consideration. This created serious internal concerns, in particular regarding the independence of the commission,” the source said.

The development has intensified allegations that the INEC chairman is in sympathy with the ruling All Progressives Congress, with insiders warning that the recent actions could affect the credibility of the upcoming Osun state governorship election.

Another source said the decision to redeploy Agboke was based on a petition attributed to the APC but allegedly sponsored by an individual with links to the New Nigeria Peoples Party.

According to the source, the petition was neither thoroughly examined nor subjected to due process before the transfer was made.

“The president acted without proper investigation of the allegations in the petition. That’s why many of us are concerned,” the insider added.

PLATFORM TIMES further reported that Agboke was transferred from Osun to Ondo State just four months before the governorship election, a timing stakeholders described as questionable and politically sensitive.

Sources within the commission suggested that the redistribution may not be unrelated to the REC’s alleged insistence on ensuring a credible and transparent electoral process in the state.

The findings also revealed that the reorganization extended beyond the REC, as key officials, including the ICT manager and other staff, were reportedly redeployed and replaced with Ondo State personnel.

The sweeping changes have drawn criticism from civil society organizations and political observers, who have warned that such moves could erode public trust in the electorate.

An insider further said that concerns were growing within political circles about possible attempts to influence the election outcome, claiming that some elements within the APC had expressed confidence in determining the results.

At the time of filing this report, INEC had not yet issued an official response to the allegations.

The controversy adds to growing scrutiny over the commission’s independence, with stakeholders calling for transparency and strict adherence to due process as preparations for the Osun governorship poll intensify.

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