International journalist Donu Kogbara has expressed deep scepticism about the independence of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, questioning whether President Bola Tinubu could appoint an electoral chief capable of guaranteeing free and fair elections in Nigeria.
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Speaking on ARISE News’ Prime Time programme during discussions about growing calls for Amupitan’s resignation, Kogbara said she was suspicious of anyone appointed by the president to head the electoral commission.
Key Highlights
- Donu Kogbara questions the independence of INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan following his appointment by President Bola Tinubu.
- The journalist says she doubts whether the current administration can appoint an electoral chairman who guarantees free and fair elections.
- Nigerians in the diaspora protested against Amupitan outside Chatham House in London on November 12, 2026.
- Protesters accused INEC of favouring the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and raised concerns about the preliminary voters’ register.
- Amupitan promises not to accept political or diplomatic appointments after leaving INEC.
- The INEC chairman acknowledges that technical failures during the 2023 elections damaged public confidence in the commission.
“I am suspicious of anyone appointed by President Tinubu. I never expected him to appoint an INEC Chairman who would be truly independent and guarantee free and fair elections,” Kogbara said.
She added a pointed reference to Nigeria’s political realities, saying: “As the saying goes, ‘You can have your say, but we will have our way.’ Ultimately, the person appointed has a particular role to play, and that role will be carried out regardless of public opinion.”
Diaspora Protesters Demand Amupitan’s Resignation
Kogbara’s comments followed protests by Nigerians in the diaspora outside Chatham House in London on November 12, 2026.
The demonstrators surrounded the vehicle conveying Professor Amupitan after he participated in a panel discussion titled “Nigeria’s 2027 Elections: Democratic Trajectory and Regional Stability Beyond the Ballot.”
The protesters demanded his resignation, accused INEC of bias towards the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and raised concerns about alleged irregularities in the commission’s preliminary voters’ register.
Their complaints included alleged duplicate entries and photographs suspected to have been generated or altered using artificial intelligence.
The demonstration has intensified scrutiny of INEC’s preparedness and perceived neutrality ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Amupitan Promises Neutrality After Leaving INEC
During the Chatham House engagement, Amupitan addressed concerns about public confidence in the electoral commission, pledging that he would not accept any political or diplomatic appointment after leaving office.
He contrasted his position with that of his predecessor, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who was later nominated as a non-career ambassador.
“I’m not going to accept any appointment from anybody because coming to serve here is based on trust,” Amupitan said.
The INEC chairman also acknowledged that technical problems during the 2023 general elections had created a significant trust deficit for the commission.
He outlined new safeguards intended to prevent inaccurate election results from being uploaded to the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal ahead of the 2027 elections.
Read also:
- Isaac Fayose Raises Fresh Concerns Over 2027 Elections, Demands Amupitan’s Resignation
- INEC Removes 1.6 Million Invalid Voter Records, Identifies 54 Complicit Staff in 10 States
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Amupitan’s Appointment Faces Scrutiny
Amupitan, a professor of law and Senior Advocate of Nigeria from Kogi State, was appointed INEC chairman by President Tinubu in October 2025 following the departure of Mahmood Yakubu.
His tenure has attracted criticism over questions surrounding his perceived neutrality, including earlier calls for his resignation linked to allegations of past pro-Tinubu social media activity, which he has denied.
Kogbara’s remarks on ARISE News reflect wider public and political concerns about whether an INEC leadership appointed under the current administration can conduct elections widely regarded as free, fair and credible in 2027.
The commission has previously rejected calls for Amupitan’s resignation, describing them as attacks on its constitutional independence.
The London protest and subsequent media reactions have once again placed the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral preparations under scrutiny as the country approaches another general election.
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