By Jane Salihu
Hundreds of youths in Aiyetoro Gbede, Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, on Monday staged a protest against what they described as a politically motivated attempt to undermine the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The demonstrators, drawn from youth and civil society groups, marched through major streets of the community, expressing support for the independence of the electoral body and solidarity with its Chairman, Joash Ojo Amupitan.
Carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Enemies of Fairness, Beware!” and “Fair Elections Start with Amupitan,” the protesters insisted that recent claims circulating on social media were part of a coordinated effort to discredit the Commission.
The protest featured a large procession of participants on motorcycles and on foot, attracting attention from residents as they chanted solidarity songs and called for the protection of democratic institutions.
Speaking during the protest, a youth leader, Segun, said the group would resist any attempt to undermine the electoral body.
“We are here to send a clear message that the sanctity of INEC must be preserved. Prof. Amupitan is a man of integrity and any attempt to malign his character or remove him unjustly is an attack on democracy,” he said.
The demonstration comes amid ongoing national debates over the appointment of new INEC National Commissioners, with some civil society organisations and opposition voices raising concerns over alleged political affiliations of certain nominees.
However, the Kogi 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.
Meanwhile, INEC has rejected calls for the removal of its chairman, describing such demands as unconstitutional and a threat to its independence.
In a statement issued in Abuja and signed by the Chairman’s Chief Press Secretary, Adedayo Oketola, the Commission stressed that its leadership is governed strictly by constitutional provisions, particularly Section 157 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which outlines the process for appointment and removal.
INEC stated that its actions, including compliance with court rulings and decisions relating to party matters, were guided by the rule of law and aimed at safeguarding Nigeria’s democratic framework.
The Commission also dismissed claims of partisan bias, noting that its recognition of multiple political parties contradicts allegations of a one-party agenda.
Reaffirming its commitment, INEC said 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 governorship elections in Ekiti State and Osun State later in the year, as stakeholders continue to scrutinise the Commission’s leadership and operations.
