Kogi Youths Stage Protest, Allege Political Persecution Against Amupitan
Oru Leonard
AIYETORO GBEDE, KOGI — Hundreds of youths in Aiyetoro Gbede, Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, on Monday took to the streets in protest, alleging a politically motivated campaign aimed at undermining the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The demonstrators, drawn from various youth and civil society groups, marched through major parts of the community, declaring their support for the independence of the electoral body and expressing confidence in its chairman, Professor 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 described recent claims circulating on social media as deliberate attempts to discredit both the INEC leadership and Nigeria’s electoral process.
The protest, which featured a large procession of youths on motorcycles and on foot, attracted widespread 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 Commission.
“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 conversations 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 Kogi youths dismissed the allegations as “sponsored propaganda,” insisting that Amupitan’s professional background and legal expertise position him to strengthen the Commission’s credibility and ensure transparent elections.
Meanwhile, INEC has rejected calls for the removal of its chairman, describing such demands as unconstitutional and a threat to the independence of the electoral body.
In a statement issued in Abuja and signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman, 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.
INEC further stated that its decisions, including compliance with court rulings and actions relating to party activities, are rooted in the rule of law and aimed at safeguarding Nigeria’s democratic system.
The Commission also dismissed claims of partisan bias, noting that its recognition of multiple political parties and commitment to transparency contradict allegations of a one-party agenda.
Reaffirming its position, INEC said it remains focused on delivering free, fair, and credible elections, adding that it will not be distracted by what it described as unfounded allegations.
The development comes ahead of key off-cycle governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states later in the year, as scrutiny of the electoral body’s leadership and operations continues to intensify.
Photo Credit: News Central
