INEC says it hasn't gotten court order on ADC and Tinubu, Amupitan states

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it has not yet received Certified True Copies (CTCs) of recent court rulings about the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and President Bola Tinubu’s academic credentials.

INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, shared this information during a news conference on the voter register on Monday in Abuja.

When asked about the court ruling that invalidated the candidacy of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and the ADC leadership led by David Mark last week, Mr Amupitan said the commission “does not act on social media reports” but only on verified legal documents.

“As of today, I have not received a Certified True Copy of the judgement of the Federal High Court because we don’t just act based on what is on social media.

“I remember one judgement from the Supreme Court a while back where something was shared on social media, trended, and the Supreme Court denied it, which led to investigations.

“Normally, when we receive a judgement like that, it comes to the commission, first to the chairman, who asks for expert advice from the relevant department before it is taken to the commission for review,” Mr Amupitan explained.

On the court ruling that ordered him to present Mr Tinubu’s credentials, Mr Amupitan said he would only take necessary legal steps after he is formally served with the court order.

“I have not received the order. So, when I receive the order, I will check what the order says and then know what to do next,” he stated.

Early Voting Provisions

Addressing calls for early voting for journalists, security agencies, and INEC officials on essential duties, the chairman said the proposal is still limited by existing laws.

“INEC started the process for early voting as part of the Electoral Act amendment, but it did not get support from the National Assembly to include provisions for early voting.

“So, this is still not recognized in our law, but it will still be a process of advocacy to ensure that this happens,” he said.

Mr Amupitan confirmed that 54 registration officers recently accused of sabotaging voter registration are full-time staff of INEC. He emphasized that the commission would not cover up any wrongdoing.

“Yes, I have the list here. They are all staff of INEC, and we are taking steps. We are not hiding anything; what I told you today is just the truth,” he added.

Addressing AI Concerns

On concerns about AI-generated images found on the voter register, Mr Amupitan announced immediate technological upgrades to prevent future issues.

“We have directed the Director of ICT that our web camera should not be allowed again. Instead, we should have an app camera. It is what is on the app that will take pictures; don't go and use any URL to import pictures here and there.

“Just today, the commission also approved the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Governance Framework to improve on what we had before, developed in partnership with IFES and the UK High Commission,” he said.

He warned that anyone involved in double registration or digital fraud would face criminal charges alongside ongoing investigations by security agencies.

“For those of our staff and members of the public who are deliberately involved in crimes, where there is a commission of a crime, those involved will be reported to the appropriate law enforcement agencies for necessary prosecution,” Mr Amupitan said.