The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has called for the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, over what it described as “professional impropriety” in the redeployment of the Osun State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Barrister Mutiu Agboke.
In a release signed by its Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, the group alleged that the transfer of Agboke and his replacement with Mrs. Toyin Babalola, a retired INEC director, raised serious concerns about transparency and due process within the electoral body.
MURIC said the controversy deepened after the National Vice Chairman (South-West) of the Labour Party, Mr. Abayomi Arabambi, reportedly claimed that Agboke’s redeployment followed a petition allegedly written by the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State.
The Islamic human rights organization accused the INEC chairman of acting unilaterally without adequate public explanation, describing the decision as “reckless, thoughtless and despotic.”
According to the group, the circumstances surrounding the redeployment created the impression that the former REC was removed for refusing to compromise electoral principles.
MURIC also questioned the appointment of Mrs. Toyin Babalola as replacement, noting that she is a retired INEC official who allegedly still has a pending court case.
The organization therefore demanded an immediate reversal of Agboke’s redeployment, insisting that the process was politically motivated and failed to follow due procedure.
The group further renewed its longstanding call for the removal of Professor Amupitan as INEC chairman, citing what it described as past controversial actions and alleged bias.
MURIC maintained that Nigerians deserved an electoral umpire that is neutral, independent and transparent, warning that confidence in the electoral process could be eroded if concerns over impartiality are not addressed.
