Political economist Pat Utomi has called on the Nigerian Bar Association to intervene in what he described as a growing institutional crisis involving the Independent National Electoral Commission.
In a series of posts shared on X, Utomi urged religious leaders, traditional rulers, and senior legal professionals to speak out, warning that silence in the face of perceived injustice could have long-term consequences for the country.
He specifically called on the NBA to prevail on Joash Amupitan, whom he described as the chairman of INEC and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, to resign. Utomi warned that failure to act could trigger what he termed a “free fall” of Nigeria’s institutional and moral systems.
Drawing comparisons, Utomi likened INEC’s current leadership to Joseph Stalin, referencing the former Soviet leader’s authoritarian reputation, and said recent developments suggest troubling tendencies.
Referencing the resurrection of Jesus Christ, he also criticised what he described as the growing influence of money within the legal profession and judiciary, arguing that it has led to actions that undermine electoral laws and the rule of law. He warned that individuals who remain silent despite recognising these issues, including religious and traditional leaders, would ultimately be held accountable.
Utomi’s remarks appear to be linked to INEC’s recent decision to derecognise factions of the African Democratic Congress led by David Mark and Nafiu Bala. The commission said its decision followed its interpretation of a Court of Appeal judgment concerning the party’s leadership crisis.
However, the faction led by Mark has rejected the decision, accusing INEC of acting under external influence. The development has sparked debate over whether the electoral body correctly interpreted the court ruling, leaving the party without a leadership currently recognised by INEC.