By Harriet Tornguvan
Hundreds of youths in Aiyetoro Gbede, Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, staged a protest over what they described as a politically motivated attempt to undermine the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The demonstrators, drawn from various youth and civil society groups, marched through major streets of the community, expressing strong support for the independence of the electoral body and solidarity with Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, whom they described as a man of integrity.
Carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Enemies of Fairness, Beware!” and “Fair Elections Start with Amupitan,” the protesters alleged that recent claims circulating on social media were part of a coordinated effort to discredit the electoral system.
The protest, which featured a procession of youths on motorcycles and on foot, drew attention from residents as participants chanted solidarity songs and called for the protection of democratic institutions.
Speaking during the demonstration, a youth leader, Segun, said the group would resist any attempt to “blackmail” or weaken the electoral body.
“We are here to send a clear message: the sanctity of INEC must be preserved. Prof. Amupitan is a man of integrity and a proud son of this land. Any attempt to malign his character or remove him unjustly is an attack on democracy,” he said.
The protest comes amid ongoing national debates over the appointment of new INEC National Commissioners, with some civil society organisations and opposition voices raising concerns about alleged political affiliations of certain nominees.
However, the protesting youths dismissed the allegations as “sponsored propaganda,” maintaining that Amupitan’s professional record and legal expertise position him to strengthen the credibility of the commission and ensure transparent electoral processes.
Meanwhile, INEC has rejected calls for the removal of its chairman, describing such demands as unconstitutional and a threat to the independence of the commission.
In a statement issued in Abuja and signed by the Chairman’s Chief Press Secretary, Adedayo Oketola, the commission emphasised that its leadership is guided strictly by constitutional provisions, particularly Section 157 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which outlines the process for appointment and removal.
The commission noted that its recent actions, including compliance with court rulings and decisions relating to party activities, were in line with the rule of law and aimed at safeguarding Nigeria’s democratic framework.
It also dismissed allegations of partisan bias, stating that its recognition of multiple political parties and commitment to electoral transparency contradict claims of a one-party agenda.
Reaffirming its position, INEC stated that it remains focused on delivering free, fair, and credible elections, adding that it would not be distracted by what it described as unfounded allegations.
The development comes ahead of key off-cycle elections in Ekiti State and Osun State later in the year, as stakeholders continue to scrutinise the electoral body’s leadership and actions.
