Obidient Movement Questions Amupitan’s Absence, Links INEC Boss to Possible Tinubu Visit Abroad
Abuja, Nigeria – September 16, 2026—The Obidient Movement has formally demanded explanations from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over the unexplained absence of its Chairman, Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, after a national commissioner stepped in as Acting Chairman during a high-profile meeting with African Union officials.
On Tuesday, September 15, INEC hosted an African Union Pre-Election and Needs Assessment Mission assessing Nigeria’s readiness for the 2027 general elections.
During the engagement at the commission’s headquarters, Professor Rhoda Gumus was presented as Acting Chairman in place of Amupitan.
The development triggered immediate questions from the Obidient Movement, which noted the lack of any prior public announcement about a formal handover of responsibilities or the reason for the chairman’s absence.
What the Obidient Movement Is Demanding
In a statement, the movement insisted that Nigerians have a right to know the whereabouts and official schedule of the man leading the institution charged with conducting the country’s elections. It specifically asked INEC to clarify:
- When Amupitan left Abuja
- The purpose of his absence
- Who authorized it?
- Whether he has travelled outside the country
- Whether he has met or plans to meet President Bola Tinubu, the APC National Chairman, or any representative of the ruling party
The group stressed that transparency is especially critical as the 2027 elections draw closer, arguing that any appearance of secrecy could fuel speculation about the independence and neutrality of INEC’s leadership.
Background on Amupitan’s Appointment
Professor Amupitan was nominated by President Tinubu, confirmed by the Senate, and sworn in as INEC Chairman on October 23, 2025. The Obidient Movement itself congratulated him at the time and expressed hope that his tenure would strengthen electoral credibility.
However, the current silence around his absence has revived old concerns among opposition voices about potential political influence over the electoral umpire.
INEC has not issued any statement linking Amupitan’s absence to meetings with the President or the ruling party.
As of the time of this report, the commission has not publicly explained the circumstances under which Gumus assumed acting duties.
Why This Matters Now
With the 2027 general elections less than six months away, every move by INEC leadership is under intense public scrutiny. The African Union mission’s visit was intended to evaluate preparations, making the chairman’s absence particularly noticeable.
Political observers note that unanswered questions about the location and engagements of the INEC Chairman risk deepening distrust in the electoral process at a time when confidence in institutions remains fragile.
The Obidient Movement has called on INEC to provide clear, timely answers so that speculation does not fill the information vacuum.
As Nigeria edges closer to another high-stakes election cycle, the demand for openness from the electoral commission is likely to grow louder.
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