Controversy Trails Revelation of INEC Chairman’s Old Legal Brief to Donald Trump on Middle-Belt Crisis
By Passman Akpos
A social media storm erupted on Friday after revelations surfaced that the current Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Amupitan (SAN), once wrote a legal brief to former U.S. President Donald Trump on behalf of the Middle Belt Forum, describing the crisis in the region as “genocide.”
The disclosure, which was first made by commentator Azubuike Ihemeje, sparked intense reactions across online platforms, with Nigerians debating the implications of the old professional engagement on Prof. Amupitan’s current role as head of Nigeria’s electoral body.
Ihemeje had posted, “Bursted!! The present INEC chairman, Prof. Amupitan SAN, wrote the legal brief to Trump, on behalf of Middle-belt people. He clearly described it as Genocide. Oya see it⤵️.”
While some social media users viewed the revelation as politically charged, others dismissed it as a non-issue, emphasizing that the document was produced at a time Amupitan was not yet a public officer.
One user wrote, “It was a professional brief at a time he was not a public officer. Na bread na. It was a job.”
Another added humorously, “That was when he was Prof. Amupitan. As he has joined the APC, he is now Amụ Peter. Sorry, I mean Amụ Tinudu.”
The debate quickly took on political undertones, with skeptics questioning whether a man now perceived as aligned with the ruling party could preside over a free and fair election.
Others, however, defended him as a principled professional. “He did the right thing. It’s not a busted matter. He is a lover and seeker of justice,” one comment read.
Legal experts also weighed in, noting that an undated document carries no legal weight, suggesting that the viral brief may have little real-world implication.
Amid the heated exchanges, some Nigerians deflected with humor, referencing national anxieties over insecurity and political tension. “All this thing no concern me. Waiting concern me na as I hear gunshot this morning… I come dey think say operation don start,” one user joked.
Others speculated about geopolitical rumors, asking, “I heard that USA has cancelled their invasion, is it true?”
The development has nonetheless drawn attention to the intersection of past professional work and present public service, reigniting broader concerns about independence and trust in Nigeria’s electoral system.
As one observer summed it up: “He acted within his professional rights, nothing more, nothing less. But in Nigeria, even a lawyer’s old brief can suddenly become a political landmine.”
