Obi Loyalists Call for INEC Chair’s Ouster, Urge ADC to Pick Southern Candidate for 2027

Timescope News 

A pro-Peter Obi support group, Peter Obi Our President (PETOOP), has demanded the immediate resignation of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Joash Amupitan, citing alleged partisanship and a sharp decline in public trust in the electoral body.

The group made the call during a press conference in Jos on Saturday. Its National Convener, Magnus Oraka, accused INEC of actions that raise serious concerns about its neutrality ahead of future elections.

“We demand the immediate resignation of the INEC Chairman in the interest of electoral integrity,” Oraka said. He warned that any electoral commission perceived to favour a political party cannot be trusted to conduct credible polls.

“If he refuses, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu must demonstrate leadership by taking decisive action. If the executive fails, the National Assembly must exercise its constitutional authority to protect Nigeria’s democracy,” Oraka added.

PETOOP also alleged that INEC has interfered in the internal affairs of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing such actions as a violation of the commission’s constitutional mandate.

According to the group, “when an electoral body begins to influence internal party leadership or disputes, it undermines the democratic process and erodes public trust.”

The group maintained that a compromised electoral umpire cannot guarantee transparency, fairness, or accountability, stressing the need to safeguard Nigeria’s democracy above individual interests.

Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, PETOOP advised the ADC to zone its presidential ticket to southern Nigeria. It argued that presenting a northern candidate could split opposition votes and weaken the coalition’s chances against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

“Zoning the ticket to the South will promote equity, strengthen opposition unity, and prevent an avoidable electoral disadvantage,” the group stated.