A growing wave of public outrage has continued to intensify following an incident in London where Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, was confronted by angry Nigerian demonstrators.
The backlash reached a boiling crescendo after viral social media footage showed an official within his entourage boldly wearing an All Progressives Congress (APC)-branded cap during a visit to Chatham House.
The incident sparked severe condemnation from Nigerians at home and in the diaspora, who argue that the open display of partisan alignment completely destroys the electoral umpire’s mandated neutrality ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The visibly agitated Nigerians blocked and surrounded the vehicle conveying Amupitan as he attempted to leave Chatham House following a presentation on Nigeria’s 2027 election preparations.
The tense confrontation escalated heavily when protesters spotted a member of the INEC chairman’s official entourage wearing an APC campaign cap. Though the official eventually removed the cap under duress, the moment was widely recorded.
In the heat of ensuing commotion the protesters aggressively banged on the vehicle, labeled the chairman a “criminal,” and chanted for his immediate resignation, demanding he step out to address deep-seated issues regarding the 2027 voter register.
The public anger displayed in London connects directly to mounting domestic and international concerns over the integrity of Nigeria’s upcoming elections.
The presence of an APC chieftain and partisan branding within the official INEC delegation is being widely cited as proof of institutional bias.
The London protest mirrors recent domestic demands, including a major coalition petition spearheaded by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and key opposition figures calling for Amupitan’s immediate removal over gross misconduct.
Against this recent outrage and embarrassment INEC chairman Amipitan was rumoured to have resigned but as at the moment of going to press there is no official confirmation of his resignation.
