Former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has expressed concerns regarding the leadership structure of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the broader electoral system, stating that structural issues remain a significant challenge.
Sowore made the remarks during an interview on Symfoni TV on Monday, April 20, 2026, while addressing questions surrounding the role of the INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, and the credibility of electoral processes.
Reflecting on his initial interaction with the INEC Chairman, Sowore stated, “I was the first person who went to a meeting with him. When you guys were already paying attention, I told you this guy has nothing to offer.”
He further contextualized the appointment process of electoral officials, emphasizing presidential influence. “But, contextually, you must understand that he was appointed by the president. And as long as the president appoints INEC chairman, even when they remove this one, they will bring another one,” he said.
Sowore also raised allegations regarding political affiliations within the commission. “Everybody, almost all the people in the INEC national commissioners, they are all members of the APC. Most of the INEC state commissioners, resident commissioners, they are all APC people. So, you remove one, they will just bring another person to replace him,” he stated.
He called for public engagement in the electoral process, saying, “Nigerians must brace up and defeat the current government through the ballot on the barricades. That’s our position.”
Addressing expectations around leadership changes within INEC, Sowore questioned the impact of such actions. “But to expect some magic to happen even when they bring another INEC chairman, who do you think it will be? It will be somebody recommended to Tinubu, probably, and it will go to the rubber stamp national assembly. They will rubber stamp the person again,” he said.
He added, “So, sometimes, this is what I say much ado about nothing. We must address our problems fundamentally, rather than just cherry picking.”
On the judiciary, Sowore raised additional concerns, stating, “You remove Amupitan, another person will come, and they will do the same. What about the Supreme Court justices? Eleven of them were appointed by Tinubu. Between 2023 and 2024. And you only need seven justices of the Supreme Court to litigate on election matters. You should also ask for the removal of those ones. Otherwise, forget it.”
He concluded by expressing concerns about the electoral outcome while noting the role of citizens. “These guys have already done and dusted the election. They are just waiting for the date to announce the election results. But Nigerians can change that,” Sowore said…..See More
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