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, the chairman of INEC and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, to resign, warning that failure to act could lead to what he described as a “free fall” of Nigeria’s institutional and moral systems.
Utomi drew a comparison between INEC’s current leadership and Joseph Stalin, referencing the former Soviet leader’s authoritarian reputation, and suggested that recent developments reflect troubling tendencies.
Referencing the resurrection of Jesus Christ, Utomi also criticised what he described as the influence of money on members of 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 face accountability.
Utomi’s remarks appear linked to INEC’s recent decision to derecognise factions of the African Democratic Congress led by David Mark and Nafiu Bala. INEC said the decision followed its interpretation of a Court of Appeal judgement regarding the party’s leadership crisis.
However, the faction led by Mark rejected the commission’s position, accusing INEC of acting under external influence. The development has generated debate over whether the electoral body correctly interpreted the court’s ruling, with the outcome leaving the ADC without a leadership currently recognised by INEC.