A public affairs analyst, Sir Victor Walsh Oluwafemi, has described calls for the resignation of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, as premature and capable of undermining democratic stability.
Oluwafemi, in a statement he personally signed, urged restraint, due process and responsible public discourse on the issue.
“I am compelled, as a concerned citizen and a professional engaged in governance advisory and institutional systems, to address the growing calls for the resignation of the Chairman of INEC,” he said.
“While accountability remains central to any functioning democracy, the manner, tone and timing of these demands raise serious questions about intent and consequence.
“It is important to examine whether such calls are based on verifiable institutional breaches or reflect political positioning and reactionary pressure.”
He warned that positions taken by groups such as the African Democratic Congress and the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria could set a dangerous precedent if not handled with caution.
According to him, “When institutions begin to respond to pressure instead of process, democracy itself becomes negotiable.”
Oluwafemi stressed that Nigeria’s constitutional framework clearly outlines the procedure for removing the INEC chairman, noting that it is not a matter for public sentiment or media campaigns.
“It is therefore necessary that all grievances, allegations or concerns be subjected to judicial scrutiny. At this stage, restraint is not only advisable but essential.
“In every serious democracy, accusation must travel through the courts, not through microphones,” he said.
He also expressed concern over what he described as unguarded and inflammatory remarks across media platforms, warning that such rhetoric could worsen political tensions.
“Public commentary on matters of national importance must be measured, responsible and evidence-based. The consequences of careless rhetoric are neither theoretical nor distant,” he added.
Citing recent electoral observations, he noted that over 200 incidents of election-related violence had been recorded, attributing part of the tension to inflammatory statements and premature delegitimisation of institutions.
“Words, when recklessly deployed in a fragile political climate, can become triggers rather than expressions,” he said.
He urged opposition actors, socio-religious organisations and media commentators to act responsibly, noting that public platforms should not be used to erode institutional trust.
“Freedom of expression must never become a licence for institutional erosion,” he said.
Oluwafemi maintained that his position was not in defence of any individual but of due process and democratic order.
“Where there is credible evidence of wrongdoing, it must be tested through lawful and constitutional channels. Until such processes have run their course, calls for resignation remain premature and potentially destabilising,” he added.
