Pat Utomi warns of Nigeria’s ‘free fall’ if NBA fails to act on Amupitan

PROFESSOR of Political Economy, Pat Utomi, has urged the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to compel Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan, to step down, warning that Nigeria risks a ‘free fall’ if action is not taken.

In a series of posts on X on Monday, Utomi called on religious leaders, traditional rulers, and senior lawyers to speak out and uphold the truth, saying they have a responsibility to the nation.

Utomi drew parallels between INEC under Amupitan, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), and the late Joseph Stalin, citing dictatorial tendencies he sees in the electoral body’s leadership.

Referencing the resurrection of Jesus Christ, he called for the removal of the ‘stone of love of money’ that leads some lawyers and judges to sacrifice the country’s future through ‘unjust deeds’ in matters of electoral law and the rule of law.

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“Those who witness the truth but cloak themselves in silence – religious leaders, senior lawyers, traditional rulers – will one day face public shame. Speak now and redeem yourselves, or live forever with disgrace,” Utomi warned.

He added, “If the NBA cannot prevail on Amupitan to resign, Nigeria’s institutions and moral safeguards are in free fall. History will hold all lawyers and Amupitan accountable in a way that will embarrass generations to come.”

Utomi’s statements come amid controversy over INEC’s recent decision to derecognise the factions of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by David Mark and Nafiu Bala. The electoral body said its decision followed a review of the Court of Appeal judgment on the party’s leadership crisis.

However, the Mark-led faction rejected INEC’s interpretation of the ruling, accusing the commission of yielding to external pressure. The move has sparked debate over whether INEC correctly applied the appellate court’s judgment, leaving the ADC without any officially recognised leadership at present.