Hundreds of youths in Aiyetoro Gbede, located in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, on Monday staged a protest in defence of the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), describing recent allegations against the Commission as politically motivated and unfounded.
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 reaffirming confidence in its chairman, Joash Ojo Amupitan, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria.
Carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Enemies of Fairness, Beware!” and “Fair Elections Start with Amupitan,” the protesters argued that allegations circulating on social media were part of a broader effort to discredit Nigeria’s electoral system.
The procession, which included participants on motorcycles and others on foot, drew attention from residents as demonstrators chanted solidarity songs and called for the protection of democratic institutions.
Speaking during the protest, a youth leader identified as Segun said the group would resist any attempt to undermine the Commission. He stressed that preserving the sanctity of INEC was critical to sustaining democratic governance in the country.
“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 discussions surrounding the appointment of new INEC National Commissioners, with some civil society organisations and opposition figures raising concerns over alleged political affiliations of certain nominees.
However, the protesting youths dismissed the claims as “sponsored propaganda,” insisting 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 its independence.
In a statement issued in Abuja and signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman, Adedayo Oketola, the Commission emphasised that its leadership structure is governed strictly by constitutional provisions, particularly Section 157 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, which outlines procedures for appointment and removal.
The Commission stated that its actions, including compliance with court rulings and decisions on party matters, are guided by the rule of law and aimed at safeguarding Nigeria’s democratic framework.
INEC also dismissed allegations of partisan bias, noting that its recognition of multiple political parties and commitment to transparency contradict claims of a one-party agenda.
Reaffirming its position, the Commission said it remains focused on delivering free, fair, and credible elections and will 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 activities.
