Obidient Movement has demanded an immediate explanation from the Independent National Electoral Commission over the whereabouts and official engagements of its Chairman, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan.

The demand followed the appearance of INEC National Commissioner, Prof. Rhoda Gumus, as Acting Chairman at a meeting with an African Union pre-election assessment mission in Abuja on Tuesday.

Reports from the meeting identified Gumus as the Acting Chairman of INEC, with the commission discussing preparations for the 2027 general elections with the AU delegation.

The Obidient Movement, in a statement issued on Wednesday by its Media & Communications Directorate, said it was concerned that there had been no public explanation of Amupitan’s absence or any formal communication about his handover of duties.

The group said Nigerians deserved to know the circumstances surrounding the Chairman’s absence, his official schedule and whether he was still carrying out his responsibilities.

“INEC cannot operate in secrecy,” the Movement said, demanding clarification on whether Amupitan had left Abuja, when he left and the official purpose of any trip.

It also asked INEC to disclose who authorised his absence and what meetings or engagements he had undertaken if he had travelled outside the country.

The Movement further asked whether Amupitan had met, or was scheduled to meet, President Bola Tinubu, the APC National Chairman or representatives of the ruling party.

It said the questions were necessary because INEC was responsible for conducting Nigeria’s elections and its leadership was expected to maintain transparency and independence, particularly as political activities intensify ahead of 2027.

The group also alleged that Amupitan had political antecedents that raised concerns about his relationship with the APC, but provided no specific evidence in the statement to substantiate the allegation.

The Movement urged INEC to provide information that would dispel speculation and reassure Nigerians about the Commission’s neutrality.

INEC’s official website identifies Amupitan as the Commission’s chairman and says he was sworn in on October 23, 2025.

Its official profile also lists Rhoda Gumus as a National Commissioner.

The Obidient Movement said the electoral commission belongs to Nigerians and should therefore remain accountable to the public.

“INEC must tell Nigerians where its chairman is and what he is doing,” the statement said.

MEANWHILE, the Independent National Electoral Commission has explained that its Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, is currently away from Abuja on an official assignment, adding that he has the authority to delegate his responsibilities to any National Commissioner.

The clarification was made by INEC’s Director, Voter Education and Publicity, Mrs Victoria Eta-Messi, in response to questions raised by the Obidient Movement over the whereabouts of the chairman.

“The chairman is on an official assignment outside Abuja. He can delegate powers to any national commissioner,” Eta-Messi said in a terse message yesterday.