Ogala, ex-Tinubu legal team coordinator, denies claims linking INEC chairman Amupitan to Presidential Legal Team

By Kunle Sanni –

The former Coordinator of the Tinubu Presidential Legal Team, Babatunde Ogala (SAN), has debunked viral social media claims alleging that the newly appointed Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), was a member of the President’s legal team.

In a statement issued on Friday, the former coordinator described the allegations as false and misleading, emphasising that Prof. Amupitan had no involvement whatsoever with the legal team that represented President Bola Tinubu during the 2023 election petitions.

“For the avoidance of doubt, Prof. Amupitan, SAN, was never, at any point, a member of the Tinubu Presidential Legal Team,” the statement read. “His name does not appear among the over 123 legal practitioners formally engaged for that assignment, including 60 Senior Advocates of Nigeria.”

He further clarified that Prof. Amupitan’s counsel, opinion, or professional services were never sought or rendered during the entire legal process.

The ex-coordinator challenged those spreading the falsehood to produce verifiable evidence to support their claims, urging the public to verify the truth by requesting Certified True Copies of all legal processes filed on behalf of the then President-elect.

“Deliberately twisting facts to inflame public sentiment serves no one and only endangers our collective peace,” he warned, calling on citizens, leaders, and the media to reject “baseless, divisive, and uncharitable narratives” capable of undermining public trust.

He reaffirmed confidence in the lawful appointment of Prof. Amupitan, which has already been approved by the Council of State, urging Nigerians to focus on truth and national stability.

“Mr. President has lawfully exercised his constitutional prerogative in making this appointment. Let truth, not mischief, guide our national conversations,” the statement added.