A viral video circulating on social media has sparked fresh concerns about the neutrality of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) after a campaign-branded vehicle was reportedly seen its premises in Rivers State.
The footage, which began trending on Thursday, shows a “Renewed Hope” campaign bus associated with President Bola Tinubu parked within an INEC office. In the clip, a visibly concerned მოქალაქე questions the situation, noting that no vehicles linked to other political parties were present at the location.
“This is inside INEC in Rivers State and I’m seeing Renewed Hope,” the individual said in the video. “No ADC, no PDP—only Tinubu’s vehicle is parked here. What does that tell you?”
The development has triggered widespread reactions online, with many questioning why a campaign-branded asset would be allowed داخل the premises of an electoral body expected to operate with strict impartiality.
The incident comes amid increasing political activity ahead of the 2027 general elections, particularly in Rivers State. INEC has faced ongoing scrutiny over allegations of partisanship under its current leadership.
Its chairman, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, has been the subject of criticism over alleged past political links. Some civil society organisations claim he previously served as legal counsel for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Tinubu during the 2023 election tribunal, while others point to alleged past social media posts expressing support for the president. These claims, however, remain part of ongoing public debate.
Opposition voices, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), have also accused INEC of actions they say could undermine fair competition ahead of the 2027 polls.
The emergence of the video has intensified calls for the electoral commission to clarify the circumstances surrounding the presence of the campaign vehicle within its facility.
🚨 BREAKING: Watch the full clip here ➤
