Questions over the leadership structure of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) have emerged after National Commissioner Prof. Rhoda Gumus represented the commission as Acting Chairman during a meeting with an African Union (AU) election assessment mission in Abuja.
Gumus received the AU Pre-Election and Needs Assessment Mission to Nigeria, led by former Ethiopian Foreign Minister, Demeke Mekonnen, as the delegation assessed the country’s preparations for the 2027 general elections.
The engagement was announced by INEC on Tuesday, September 15, with Gumus identified as Acting Chairman.
The appearance has, however, prompted calls for greater clarity from the electoral commission over the status and official schedule of Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan.
The Obidient Movement, through its National Coordinator, Dr Yunusa Tanko, said the commission had not publicly explained the circumstances under which Gumus assumed the acting role or whether Amupitan formally handed over his responsibilities.
Tanko urged INEC to disclose Amupitan’s official whereabouts, the reason for his absence and whether he was undertaking any official engagements within or outside Nigeria.
The group also called for clarification on whether the INEC Chairman had any scheduled meetings with senior officials of the Federal Government or the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The demands come at a time when INEC is stepping up preparations for the 2027 elections, making transparency around the commission’s leadership particularly significant.
The AU mission’s engagement with INEC is part of the broader process of assessing Nigeria’s electoral preparedness ahead of the polls.
The Obidient Movement argued that any temporary change in the commission’s leadership should be communicated clearly to the public to prevent speculation and concerns about the independence of the electoral body.
Tanko also called on INEC to demonstrate political neutrality and strengthen public confidence in its operations.
INEC’s Chief Press Secretary, Dayo Oketola, could not be reached for comments as of the time of filing this report.
The commission has yet to publicly respond to the questions raised over Amupitan’s absence and Gumus’ appearance as Acting Chairman.
With the 2027 general elections approaching, attention is increasingly turning to how INEC manages its leadership, communicates its decisions and sustains public confidence in the electoral process.
