Political commentator Gbadamosi Babatunde has launched a blistering attack on newly appointed INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan, calling the administration’s handling of the recent Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council election “a complete, unqualified failure.”
In a post on X on Sunday, Babatunde reacted to what he described as irregularities in the FCT polls and addressed Amupitan directly: “Your first assignment is a complete, unqualified failure.” He went further to link the chairman to President Bola Tinubu, who appointed Amupitan, writing, “You are exactly like the corrupt @officialABAT that appointed you to @inecnigeria.”
Babatunde warned that the FCT exercise will define Amupitan’s tenure and legacy. “Just know that every single one of your previous achievements in life will no longer count. You will now only be defined and remembered as just another fantastically corrupt Nigerian electoral umpire,” he wrote, adding that Amupitan’s story would be “consigned to the dustbin and cesspit of the dark ages of Nigerian history” and that future generations “will never be allowed to forget” his alleged role in oppressing Nigerians.
The commentator’s remarks come amid a wave of criticism from opposition figures and civic activists over the conduct of the Area Council elections, which critics say were marred by widespread electoral malpractice. Some commentators — including activist Nefertiti — have warned the development foreshadows broader problems for future polls, including the 2027 general elections.
Amupitan, appointed earlier this year to head the Independent National Electoral Commission, has faced intense public scrutiny from his first major assignment. Supporters of INEC argue that managing complex local contests in the FCT was always a difficult task; detractors say the process has reinforced fears about impartiality and competence under the new leadership.
As of publication, INEC has not issued a public response to Babatunde’s post. The exchange highlights rising tensions over electoral credibility in Nigeria and intensifying debate over the independence and performance of the country’s electoral management body.
