Joash Amupitan, the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has been called to resign by the Obidient Movement due to the electoral body’s decision regarding the African Democratic Congress (ADC) leadership issue.
The group bemoaned the recent occurrence as a danger to Nigeria’s democracy and called for a nationwide demonstration in a statement.
Nigerians were cautioned by the movement that it is risky and demonstrates complicity to remain silent during this time.
“There are times in a country’s history when inaction turns into complicity and quiet becomes hazardous. According to the statement, Nigeria has reached this point.
Under the current administration, the movement claimed, INEC is no longer seen as unbiased.
“Under the current administration, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which should serve as an impartial guardian of the people’s will, is increasingly perceived as compromised,” it said.
It also stated that opposition voices seem to be under increasing pressure, raising concerns about possible dangers to Nigeria’s multi-party system.
“The people’s will is at risk when institutions lose their credibility. And citizens have a responsibility to take action when that occurs,” the group stated.
Citing “gross abuse of office, loss of public trust, and failure to uphold the neutrality required of that office,” the Obidient Movement demanded, among other things, that the INEC chairman quit.
In addition, the group called for “an immediate end to political persecution, including all forms of intimidation, harassment, and targeting of opposition voices” and the preservation of Nigeria’s multiparty system.
“Full respect for party autonomy, ensuring that the internal leadership and integrity of political parties, including ADC, are not interfered with” was another need it made.
The campaign declared its intention to launch a #OccupyINEC countrywide demonstration in every state as well as the Federal Capital Territory.
The statement read, “We are starting a nationwide peaceful protest in defense of these principles, beginning immediately across all states and the Federal Capital Territory.”
