… Allegedly Ignored Legal Advice On Mark, Aregbesola Delisting
…Controversial Redeployment Raises Bias Concerns Ahead Of Osun Poll
…Commission Denies Partisanship, Disowns Statement Controversy
Daud Olatunji
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, is enmeshed in a fresh controversy following multiple allegations ranging from alleged disregard for legal advice to claims of partisanship and procedural breaches within the electoral body.
An investigation by PLATFORM TIMES revealed that the developments, which have unsettled top officials within the commission, have further heightened concerns over INEC’s neutrality ahead of critical elections.
Allegation 1: Ignoring Legal Advice on ADC Leadership Crisis
Sources within the commission disclosed that the INEC chairman allegedly overruled the Legal Department in the handling of the leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress.
The controversy centred on the reported delisting of former Senate President, David Mark, and ex-Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, as National Chairman and Secretary of the party, respectively.
Insiders said the Legal Department had advised against such action, citing a subsisting court order directing parties to maintain status quo ante bellum.
Despite this, the commission reportedly proceeded with actions perceived as altering the existing leadership structure, a move that has drawn criticism from stakeholders and opposition figures.
A senior official said, “The Legal Department clearly warned against taking steps that could violate the court order, but that advice was not followed.”
Allegation 2: Controversial Transfer of Osun REC
The INEC boss is also facing scrutiny over the redeployment of the Osun State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Mutiu Agboke, barely months to the state’s governorship election.
Findings by PLATFORM TIMES indicated that the transfer was allegedly based on a petition attributed to the All Progressives Congress but believed to have been sponsored by an individual linked to the New Nigeria Peoples Party.
Sources claimed the petition was not thoroughly investigated before the decision was taken.
“The process lacked due diligence. The petition was neither properly verified nor subjected to standard procedures,” a source said.
The timing of the redeployment has been described by observers as politically sensitive, with concerns that it could affect preparations for the election.
Further checks revealed that the shake-up extended to other key officials, including ICT personnel, who were replaced in what insiders described as a sweeping restructuring.
Allegation 3: Past Pro-APC Social Media Post
