Former presidential candidate, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim is calling for INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan to resign over the new election timetable for 2027, citing concerns that it’s designed to favor the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Hashim argues that INEC is overstepping by dictating when parties should hold primaries, and that this move could weaken opposition parties dealing with internal disputes. He’s threatening mass action if Amupitan doesn’t step down, emphasizing that public confidence in INEC’s leadership is critical for free and fair elections. Speaking to Journalists in Abuja, Olawepo-Hashim said:
“It’s not the business of INEC to dictate to parties when they should conduct nominations of candidates for elections. this shows that Amupitan cannot be trusted. It’s either he resigns or Nigerians will embark on mass action to force him out. He should not be allowed to stay a day longer in that office. He’s deliberately working to favour the APC, having destabilised other political parties who are trying to sort out themselves in court. That is disingenuous and wrong.”
Olawepo-Hashim went on to say that the INEC needs to be reconstituted for 2027 Elections to be free, fair and accepted.
“For us to have an acceptable, free and fair election in 2027, INEC has to be reconstituted. Rushing out an ill-thought-out timetable after what we consider a poor performance in the Abuja Area Council election shows that the chairman cannot be entrusted with the 2027 general election, INEC is not a headmaster that can impose what it wants on political parties. As long as parties comply with the Electoral Act regarding submission timelines, they have the right to determine when to hold their primaries”.
