The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has called for the immediate resignation of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Professor Amupitan, over allegations of partisanship.

In a statement signed by its spokesman, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said the emergence of a 2023 pro-Bola Ahmed Tinubu social media post allegedly linked to the INEC chairman raises serious concerns about the credibility of the electoral body.

According to the ADC, the development undermines public confidence in the commission and calls into question its neutrality.

The party further alleged attempts to alter digital records to conceal past political affiliations, describing the move as a threat to transparency and accountability.

It stressed that an electoral umpire must not only be independent but also be perceived as impartial at all times.

The ADC argued that the chairman’s conduct and alleged actions fall short of the standards expected of someone entrusted with overseeing elections in a democratic system.

“This is why Professor Amupitan must resign. Now. Anything less is an insult to the Nigerian people and a dangerous precedent for our democracy,” the statement said.

The party also disclosed plans to escalate its response by updating petitions to relevant institutions, including foreign governments and the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA.

It added that it would intensify civil disobedience actions until the INEC chairman steps down from office.

Dr Azeez Olajide Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, has rejected speculations suggesting that the All Progressives Congress, APC, has already settled for a preferred aspirant ahead of the 2027 Lagos State governorship election.

In a statement issued on Saturday by his spokesperson, Gbenga Ogunleye, Jandor maintained that the party’s candidate would emerge through a transparent and credible primary process.

The statement noted that reports claiming the emergence of an “anointed” aspirant were unfounded and inconsistent with the official stance of the Lagos APC leadership.

“We have observed ongoing speculation alleging that a preferred aspirant has been selected ahead of the 2027 governorship election. We wish to reiterate that no such decision has been taken,” the statement said.

It further emphasised that, in line with the position earlier communicated by the state party chairman, all interested aspirants would be given a level playing field to contest in a fair primary election.

Ogunleye added that Jandor remains committed to the democratic process within the party and has continued to engage stakeholders while consolidating his grassroots support base across the state.

He, however, noted that his principal is equally guided by party discipline and would abide by any collective decision of the party leadership, including the possible adoption of a consensus candidate.

“This position reflects both his readiness to contest and his willingness to respect the outcome of any decision reached by the party,” the spokesman stated.

Jandor also cautioned party members and supporters against interpreting individual campaigns or group endorsements as the official position of the party or its leadership.

He stressed that only pronouncements from the party and its recognised leadership should be regarded as authoritative.

The Taraba State chapter of the Young Progressives Party (YPP) has announced a shift in its political ideology, pledging to abandon godfatherism in favour of a system rooted in service, merit, and accountability.

The declaration was made on Saturday during the official unveiling of the YPP secretariat in Jalingo, the state capital.

Speaking, the party’s state chairman, Alhaji Sahadu Hassan Abubakar, said the new direction underscores the party’s commitment to transparent governance and competence-driven leadership.

According to him, the move is aimed at restoring public confidence in the political process and ensuring that leadership positions are attained through ability, dedication, and service rather than political patronage.

“The focus now is on the people,” he said, adding that accountability and performance would remain key benchmarks for anyone seeking or holding public office under the party’s platform.

Abubakar further described the newly inaugurated secretariat as more than a physical structure, noting that it represents a hub for political transformation in the state.

“We are establishing a command centre for change, a home for the common man, and a sanctuary for every Taraban who believes that purposeful leadership is the only path to a progressive future,” he stated.

Also speaking, the party’s national chairman, Bishop Emmanuel Amakiri, urged residents of Taraba State to align with the party’s vision.

He stressed the need for unity and inclusiveness, assuring that the party would carry everyone along regardless of religion, ethnicity, or political affiliation.

The party leadership also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to ensure a level playing field for all registered political parties and candidates, emphasising the importance of fairness in the democratic process.

Party officials said the development marks a deliberate effort to redefine politics in Taraba State, with a focus on promoting inclusive development and responsible governance.