…Bias Allegations Deepen
…Stakeholders Raise Red Flags
Daud Olatunji
An investigation by PLATFORM TIMES has uncovered that the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Joash Ojo Amupitan, allegedly overruled the commission’s Legal Department and approved the transfer of the Osun State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Mutiu Agboke, based on a controversial petition linked to political actors.
Multiple high-level sources within the commission disclosed that the decision was taken despite clear legal advice cautioning against actions relating to the African Democratic Congress matter, a development that has reportedly triggered internal disquiet and raised fresh concerns over the commission’s neutrality.
A senior official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the Legal Department had provided guidance which was ultimately ignored by the commission’s leadership.
“The Legal Department gave its position on the ADC issue, but it was disregarded. That has created serious concern internally, particularly about the commission’s independence,” the source said.
The development has intensified allegations that the INEC chairman is sympathetic to the ruling All Progressives Congress, with insiders warning that recent actions could impact the credibility of the forthcoming governorship election in Osun State.
Another source alleged that 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 comprehensively investigated nor subjected to established due process before the transfer was effected.
“The chairman acted without a proper probe of the allegations contained in the petition. That is why many of us are worried,” the insider added.
PLATFORM TIMES further gathered that Agboke was moved from Osun to Ondo State barely four months to the governorship election, a timing stakeholders have described as questionable and politically sensitive.
Sources within the commission suggested that the redeployment may not be unconnected to the REC’s alleged insistence on ensuring a credible and transparent electoral process in the state.
Findings also revealed that the shake-up extended beyond the REC, as key officials, including the ICT head and other personnel, were reportedly redeployed and replaced with staff from Ondo State.
The sweeping changes have drawn criticism from civil society organisations and political observers, who warned that such moves could erode public trust in the electoral body.
An insider further claimed that concerns were mounting within political circles over possible attempts to influence the election outcome, alleging that some elements within the APC had expressed confidence in determining the results.
As of the time of filing this report, INEC had yet to issue an official response to the allegations.
The controversy adds to growing scrutiny of the commission’s independence, with stakeholders calling for transparency and strict adherence to due process as preparations intensify for the Osun governorship poll.
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