Hundreds of youth in Aiyetoro Gbede, Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi state, on Monday 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, voicing strong support for the independence of the electoral body and expressing confidence in Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria.
Wielding placards with inscriptions such as “Enemies of Fairness, Beware!” and “Fair Elections Start with Amupitan,” the protesters insisted that recent claims and rumours circulating on social media against the INEC Chairman were part of a broader agenda to discredit the electoral system.
The protest featured a large procession of youth on motorcycles and on foot, drawing attention from residents as participants chanted solidarity songs and called for the protection of democratic institutions.
Speaking during the demonstration, a youth leader identified as 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 came amid ongoing national debates over the appointment of new INEC National Commissioners, with some civil society organisations and opposition voices raised concerns about alleged political affiliations of certain nominees.
However, the Kogi youth dismissed such allegations as “sponsored propaganda,” arguing that Amupitan’s professional record and legal expertise positioned him to strengthen the credibility of the commission and ensure transparent electoral processes.
Meanwhile, INEC had rejected calls for the removal of its chairman, describing such demands as unconstitutional and a threat to the independence of the electoral body.
A statement issued in Abuja and signed by Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman, Adedayo Oketola, the Commission stressed that its leadership was governed strictly by constitutional provisions, particularly Section 157 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which outlines the process for appointment and removal.
