In an interview with SYMFONI on Friday, February 20, 2026, human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore expressed his reservations about the administrative independence of the current leadership at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He claimed that the Chief of Staff and the official spokesperson of INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, were not independently chosen but were instead appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s inner circle, specifically highlighting the influence of the Presidency’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila.
Sowore, drawing on his background as an investigative journalist, suggested that the professional histories of these aides reveal close ties to the current administration, urging the public to research their previous roles to understand the extent of executive overreach within the commission.
Sowore said, “Ask yourself who appointed his (Amupitan) spokesperson. Tinubu’s people appointed his spokesperson. Tinubu’s Chief of Staff appointed his Chief of Staff. I am an investigative journalist, and they have names. You can Google who they were with before now.”
Professor Amupitan, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and former Deputy Vice-Chancellor, assumed the INEC chairmanship in October 2025, succeeding Professor Mahmood Yakubu.
His transition from academia to the electoral body was initially hailed as a step toward legalistic reform, but critics like Sowore argue that the staffing of his office by the presidency undermines the commission’s neutrality.
As the 2027 general elections approach, INEC has already accelerated its logistical preparations.
The commission recently confirmed February 20, 2027, as the date for the next presidential election…..See More
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