Olayiwola Matthew
Former Coordinator of the Tinubu Presidential Legal Team, Babatunde Ogala (SAN), has debunked social media reports alleging that the newly appointed Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan (SAN), was a member of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s legal defence team during the 2023 presidential election petitions.
Ogala, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and prominent lawyer, described the claims as “false, misleading, and malicious fabrications” aimed at discrediting both the President’s lawful appointment and the integrity of the electoral commission.
In a statement personally signed and made available to News Point Nigeria on Thursday, Ogala said his clarification was not merely a rejoinder but “a duty to truth and public interest.”
“My attention has been drawn to several false and misleading claims currently circulating on social media, alleging that Prof. Amupitan SAN, recently appointed as Chairman of INEC, was a member of the Tinubu Presidential Legal Team,” Ogala stated.
“As the erstwhile Coordinator of that legal team, I feel compelled to set the records straight and allay any concerns these malicious fabrications may have caused among well-meaning Nigerians.”
The respected silk firmly dismissed the rumours, stating categorically that Prof. Amupitan was never, at any time, part of the Tinubu Presidential Legal Team (TPLT) and that his name does not appear in the official roster of lawyers who represented the President during the post-election litigation.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Prof. Amupitan SAN was never, at any point, a member of the Tinubu Presidential Legal Team,” Ogala clarified.
“His name does not appear among the over 123 legal practitioners formally engaged for that assignment, of whom sixty (60) were Senior Advocates of Nigeria. At no time during the entire process was his counsel, opinion, or professional service sought or rendered.”
Ogala went further to challenge anyone spreading the allegation to produce verifiable evidence, urging members of the public to independently verify his claims by requesting Certified True Copies (CTCs) of the official court documents filed on behalf of the President during the election petitions.
“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,” he said.
He cautioned that while democratic debate and political scrutiny are essential in a vibrant society, deliberate misinformation threatens national stability and public trust in institutions.
“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,” Ogala added.
He commended President Tinubu for exercising his constitutional prerogative in appointing Prof. Amupitan and noted that the Council of State duly approved the appointment in line with due process.
“Mr. President has lawfully exercised his constitutional prerogative in making this appointment, and the Council of State has approved 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,” he stated.
Ogala reaffirmed his commitment to justice, fairness, and the strengthening of Nigeria’s democratic institutions, urging citizens and the media to place truth above mischief in national discourse.
“Let truth, not mischief, guide our national conversations,” he concluded.