The Obidient Movement has formally requested the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to clarify the absence of its Chairman, Professor Jossh Ojo Amupitan. The group highlighted his recent, conspicuous absence from his official duties as a key reason for this inquiry.

They also raised concerns after Professor Rhoda Gumus was introduced as the Acting Chairman of INEC and represented Amupitan during an official meeting with the African Union election monitoring delegation in Abuja on Tuesday. The organisation lamented that there has been no official confirmation of Amupitan's transfer of responsibilities, either in an acting or permanent capacity.

"This raises legitimate questions about the Chairman's current location, official schedule and the circumstances surrounding his absence.

"As Nigeria moves closer to the 2027 general elections, the INEC Chairman cannot operate in secrecy. Given his antecedents and strong affection for the APC, Nigerians have a right to know where the head of the nation's electoral commission is, who he is meeting and what official responsibilities he is carrying out," it said.

The organisation then raised questions, saying, "Where is the INEC Chairman currently? When did he leave Abuja, and for what official purpose? Who authorised his absence from the Commission's headquarters? What meetings or engagements has he held since leaving the country, if he has travelled? Has he met, or is he scheduled to meet, Mr Bola Tinubu, the APC National Chairman or any representative of the ruling party?"

The Obidient Movement emphasized the importance of transparency from INEC, especially as political activities ramp up and Nigerians call for credible preparations for 2027. They stressed that the period of the INEC Chairman holding strategy meetings with the APC and the ruling party should be over.

"Nigerians do not trust this INEC Chairman or the Commission he leads, so it is on him and the Commission to not only be transparent and non-partisan, but to also be seen as such

"It is important to reemphasise that the electoral commission belongs to the Nigerian people. Its leadership must therefore be accountable to the public and must not leave room for speculation about secret political engagements, especially given their many past antecedents and the crisis of confidence that the Commission continues to face.

"INEC must tell Nigerians where its chairman is and what he is doing," the Obidient Movement said.

ASA