A former Senator from Kogi West is facing backlash from his kinsmen and traditional rulers for allegedly plotting to stop the nomination of Prof. Joash Amupitan SAN, a fellow Kogi native, as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The Senator’s efforts to scuttle Amupitan’s nomination have been linked to a N7 billion payment he received from powerful individuals in Kogi State.
According to sources, the former Senator had promised to use his connections to influence key personalities in the Villa and the First Lady’s office to block Amupitan’s appointment.
However, his efforts were unsuccessful, and President Ahmed Bola Tinubu ultimately presented Amupitan as the nominee.
The former Senator’s kinsmen are now calling for him to refund the N7 billion, citing his failure to deliver on his promises.
They have also threatened to sanction him and declare him a persona non grata for allegedly misinforming the media about Amupitan’s qualifications.
Amupitan, a Professor of Law at the University of Jos, is the first person from Kogi State to be nominated as INEC Chairman. He was unanimously supported by the Council of State, with Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo praising him as a man of integrity.
The former Senator’s actions have been widely condemned, with many questioning his motives and integrity.
As the controversy continues to unfold, the former Senator is facing increasing pressure to account for the N7 billion and explain his actions.