A coalition of civil society organisations has expressed strong support for the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Joash Amupitan, condemning what it described as a sustained campaign of calumny against his person by elements within the political class.

Speaking at a world press conference yesterday, the Humanities Welfare and Social Development Initiatives, in collaboration with other civil society stakeholders across Nigeria, warned that such actions pose a threat to the country’s democratic stability.

The conference was addressed by Comrade Felix Nnalue Attah, National Convener of the Humanities Welfare and Social Development Initiatives, in collaboration with the Coalition of Civil Society Partners; Comrade Kennedy Tabuko of the Niger Delta Democratic Initiatives; Usman Baba Kankia, President of the Arewa Youth Parliament; Ambassador Akinnawo Oluwaseun of the Initiative for African Youth Advancement Advocacy and Empowerment; and Comrade Shuaibu Abdulkadir of the Nigeria Youth Advocacy for Good Governance Initiative (NYAGGI).

The group said it was “deeply concerned” about what it termed deliberate attempts to tarnish the image of the INEC chairman, stressing that misinformation and politically motivated attacks could erode public trust in democratic institutions. It consequently passed a vote of confidence in Amupitan’s leadership of the electoral body.

The coalition commended the INEC boss for reforms and administrative measures aimed at strengthening electoral integrity, transparency, and accountability.

It noted that his adherence to the rule of law, particularly in complying with court rulings on sensitive political matters like the African Democratic Congress (ADC) crisis, demonstrates a commitment to constitutional governance.

Highlighting his professional background, the groups described Amupitan as a seasoned legal scholar and administrator, citing his roles as former Head of Department of Public Law, Dean of the Faculty of Law, and Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of Jos, as well as his status as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria.

The coalition urged Nigerians to remain supportive of institutional reforms and resist what it called distractions from political actors seeking to undermine progress through unfounded allegations and blackmail.

“At this critical moment in our democratic journey, it is imperative to prioritise national interest, uphold truth, and support credible leadership committed to fairness, justice, and electoral excellence,” the group stated.

The organisations also called on the INEC chairman to remain focused and undeterred, urging him to continue upholding the rule of law in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections.