A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Segun Sowunmi, has faulted supporters of Peter Obi—widely known as Obidients—accusing them of misrepresenting public narratives and showing little regard for prominent individuals.

Sowunmi made the remarks during an appearance on The Volume Pod, where he discussed the influence of political support groups in shaping public perception of key figures.

Referring to the late Doyin Okupe, he questioned the reactions that followed his death, suggesting that some responses reflected a lack of empathy and respect.

He argued that the manner in which certain narratives are pushed online can distort reality and negatively impact public discourse, particularly in a politically charged environment.

The PDP chieftain’s comments come amid ongoing conversations about the role and conduct of digital political movements, as well as their growing influence on national discussions.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on Professor Joash Amupitan to resign as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), warning it may embark on civil disobedience if he remains in office.

The opposition party renewed its criticism of Amupitan following fresh allegations questioning his neutrality, adding to its earlier stance that the electoral chief has failed to meet expected standards.

Amupitan has recently come under scrutiny over claims linked to past social media posts, which allegedly suggest a bias in favour of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

In response to the controversy, Adedayo Oketola, Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to the INEC Chairman, had earlier cautioned the public about impersonators and cybercriminals spreading false information through fake accounts. He reiterated that the commission under Amupitan remains committed to delivering free, fair, and credible elections, urging Nigerians to rely on official communication channels.

The debate intensified after US-based Nigerian academic Farooq Kperogi published a column alleging that archived posts from an X account bearing Amupitan’s name indicated pro-APC leanings, including remarks seen as supportive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Kperogi argued that such revelations could erode public trust in INEC’s impartiality and called for the chairman’s resignation.

The publication sparked widespread reactions online, with Nigerians divided over the authenticity and implications of the alleged posts.

Reacting on Saturday, ADC spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi described the development as deeply troubling, saying it raises serious concerns about the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral system.

He stated that in a democracy, the electoral umpire must not only be independent but must also be seen to be so beyond doubt, stressing that anything short of this undermines public confidence.

Abdullahi further alleged attempts to alter digital records tied to the controversy, describing it as a deliberate effort to distort facts and evade accountability.

According to him, the accumulation of allegations and evidence suggests that Amupitan has fallen short of the standards required of someone overseeing elections, insisting that his continued stay in office would damage democratic integrity.

He said the party would escalate its actions, including updating petitions to relevant institutions such as foreign bodies and the Nigerian Bar Association.

Abdullahi added that the ADC is prepared to intensify civil disobedience until Amupitan steps down, warning that anything less would set a dangerous precedent for the country’s democracy.

Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Oba Maduabuchi, has warned that the ongoing legal disputes within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) could stall the party’s progress unless the Supreme Court of Nigeria urgently intervenes.

Speaking in an interview, Maduabuchi said the party’s internal crisis has become deeply complicated due to conflicting leadership claims and court rulings, making it difficult for the PDP to function effectively.

He traced the crisis to the removal of former national chairman Iyorchia Ayu and the subsequent leadership of Umar Damagum, whose tenure ended in December 2025. According to him, the emergence of Mohammed Abdurahman as a new leader further complicated the situation.

Maduabuchi highlighted contradictions in court decisions, noting that while the Court of Appeal upheld the expulsion of some party members, it also appeared to recognise individuals linked to the same group in leadership positions.

He argued that such inconsistencies have created confusion over the party’s legitimate leadership structure, making it difficult to determine which faction holds authority.

The senior lawyer also questioned the legitimacy of recent conventions, citing earlier court orders that restrained the party from holding such gatherings. He maintained that proceeding with those conventions despite pending legal matters has further muddied the situation.

According to him, only a clear and expedited ruling from the Supreme Court can resolve the disputes and restore order within the party.

“Without the Supreme Court, I don’t see how PDP can progress,” he said, stressing the urgency of a definitive judgment.

He added that the uncertainty is already affecting electoral matters, with disputes arising over which faction of the PDP fielded candidates in certain elections.

Maduabuchi further emphasised the importance of a strong opposition in Nigeria, describing the PDP as a central force in the country’s democratic structure.

On the proposed Electoral Act 2026, he criticised provisions mandating direct primaries or consensus arrangements, arguing that such decisions should be left to political parties based on their constitutions.

He maintained that imposing candidate selection methods undermines internal party autonomy and runs contrary to established legal principles.