VIDEO: “Yes, INEC Chairman Said ‘Victory Is Sure’”– Senate President Godswill Akpabio Admits Joash Amupitan Comment
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has admitted that the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan, made the controversial “victory is sure” remark, a statement that has intensified concerns over the commission’s neutrality.
Akpabio made the statement while speaking at the commissioning of the new Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) building in Abuja, in a video clip shared by Channels Television that has since gone viral on social media.
Addressing the controversy surrounding a pro-APC post allegedly linked to Amupitan’s X account, the Senate President said the remark did not reference any political party.
“They brought out a tweet where it said, ‘The chairman of INEC said victory is sure.’ But he didn’t say victory is sure for APC. He did not say victory is sure for PDP. It just said victory is sure,” Akpabio stated.
He further suggested that the comment may have been made before Amupitan’s appointment as INEC chairman in October 2025, noting that individuals are entitled to personal political opinions prior to assuming public office.
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“It was not chairman of INEC. He was just a male lecturer. Anybody can support anybody [he] wishes to,” Akpabio added.
The Senate President, however, emphasised that public officials must maintain neutrality once in office, stating that occupying a sensitive position like INEC chairman requires acting in the interest of the entire country.
The remarks come amid growing scrutiny over the alleged social media activity linked to Amupitan, a law professor appointed by Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Observers have questioned the credibility of the electoral body, warning that any perception of partisanship could undermine public confidence ahead of future elections.
INEC has repeatedly denied any connection between its chairman and the viral X post, describing the claims as false and manipulated.
The commission also disclosed that it had referred the matter to security agencies and was considering forensic analysis to verify the origin of the content.
