MURIC Demands Removal Of INEC Chairman Over Osun REC Redeployment

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has called for the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, over the recent redeployment of the Osun State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Barrister Mutiu Agboke.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Executive Director of MURIC, Professor Ishaq Akintola, described the redeployment as questionable and alleged that due process was not followed in effecting the change.

According to him, Agboke was replaced by Mrs Toyin Babalola, a retired INEC director, shortly after allegations emerged that a petition had been submitted against the former REC by the Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Akintola expressed concern over what he termed the “unilateral” manner in which the decision was taken, insisting that no official explanation had been provided by the electoral commission.

“We are disturbed by the revelation surrounding the redeployment. The action appears reckless, thoughtless and despotic. It creates the impression that pressure was mounted on a state electoral officer who refused to compromise professional standards,” he said.

The Islamic advocacy group further questioned the appointment of Babalola, noting that she is a retired INEC official allegedly involved in an ongoing court matter.

“Something is definitely wrong with this procedure. The optics are troubling and capable of undermining public confidence in the electoral system,” Akintola added.

MURIC consequently demanded the immediate reversal of Agboke’s redeployment, maintaining that the exercise failed to comply with laid-down procedures.

The group also renewed its call for the sack of the INEC chairman, alleging that past controversies surrounding Amupitan had raised concerns about his neutrality and capacity to act independently.

“With the series of agitations against him over previous actions and decisions, it has become evident that Professor Amupitan is incapable of taking unbiased decisions,” the statement added.