Amupitan Was Never Member Of Tinubu, Insists Ogala

FORMER coordinator of the Tinubu Presidential Legal Team, Babatunde Ogala (SAN), has debunked social media claims alleging that the newly appointed Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN), was a member of the legal team that represented President Bola Tinubu during the 2023 presidential election petitions.
Ogala, in a statement, described the allegations as “false, misleading and malicious fabrications” aimed at sowing unnecessary tension and undermining public trust in the electoral process.
He insisted that at no time did Amupitan serve as a member of the Tinubu Presidential Legal Team, which he (Ogala) headed, nor was his professional counsel or opinion sought during the legal proceedings.
The statement, titled, ‘Re: False claims linking the newly appointed INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), to the tinubu presidential legal team,’ stated: “My attention has been drawn to several false and misleading claims currently circulating on social media, alleging that Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), recently appointed as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), was a member of the Tinubu Presidential Legal Team.
“As the erstwhile coordinator of that legal team, I feel compelled, not as a rejoinder, but in the service of truth and public interest, to set the records straight and allay any concerns these malicious fabrications may have caused among well-meaning Nigerians.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Amupitan was never, at any time, a member of the Tinubu Presidential Legal Team. His name does not appear among the over one hundred and twenty-three (123) legal practitioners who were formally engaged for that assignment, sixty (60) of whom were distinguished Senior Advocates of Nigeria.
“At no point during the entire process was his counsel, opinion or professional service sought or rendered.
“I, therefore, challenge anyone peddling this falsehood to produce verifiable evidence to the contrary. In fact, any member of the public may apply for Certified True Copies of all legal processes filed on behalf of the President-Elect (as he then was) to confirm the authenticity of this statement.
“While political discourse is inevitable in any democracy, it is essential that our engagement remains anchored on truth, decency and national stability. Deliberately twisting facts to inflame public sentiment serves no one and only endangers our collective peace.
“Mr. President has lawfully exercised his constitutional prerogative in making this appointment, and the Council of State has approved the same. It is, therefore, incumbent upon all responsible citizens, leaders and media practitioners to reject narratives that are baseless, divisive, unkind, uncharitable and capable of undermining public trust.
“I reaffirm my unwavering commitment to justice, fairness, and the continued strengthening of our democratic institutions. Let truth, not mischief, guide our national conversations.”