Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
Hundreds of youths from Aiyetoro Gbede in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State took to the streets on Monday in a peaceful but vocal protest, accusing certain political interests of orchestrating a campaign of persecution and blackmail against Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN), the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The demonstrators, comprising youths and members of various civil society groups from the community, marched through major streets of the town on motorcycles and on foot. They carried placards with messages such as “Enemies of Fairness, Beware!” and “Fair Elections Start with Amupitan,” while chanting solidarity songs in defence of the electoral umpire’s independence.
The protest is the latest reaction to ongoing national debates and calls from some opposition voices and civil society groups for the removal of Prof. Amupitan, who was appointed INEC Chairman in October 2025 following the expiration of Prof. Mahmood Yakubu’s tenure. Critics have raised concerns over alleged political affiliations and recent decisions by the commission, including compliance with court rulings on party matters.
A youth leader identified as Segun addressed the gathering, describing the rumours and social media campaigns against the INEC Chairman as a deliberate attempt to undermine 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 itself,” Segun said.
The youths dismissed the allegations against Prof. Amupitan as “sponsored propaganda,” insisting that his professional record as a distinguished professor of law, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), and former Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University of Jos qualifies him to lead the commission with credibility and impartiality. They emphasised his roots in Aiyetoro Gbede, hailing him as a worthy son of the soil whose appointment marked a historic milestone as the first person from Kogi State to head INEC.
The demonstration comes amid heightened scrutiny of INEC ahead of key off-cycle elections and the build-up to the 2027 general polls. Some groups, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), have publicly called for Amupitan’s resignation, citing perceived bias in the commission’s handling of party activities and other matters.
In response, INEC has firmly rejected such calls. In a statement issued in Abuja and signed by Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman, Adedayo Oketola, the commission described demands for the Chairman’s removal as unconstitutional and a direct threat to the independence of the electoral body.
INEC stressed that the appointment, tenure, and removal of its Chairman and National Commissioners are strictly governed by Section 157 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). The commission maintained that its actions, including compliance with court judgments, are guided solely by the rule of law and aimed at protecting Nigeria’s democratic framework.
The electoral body also dismissed accusations of partisan bias, pointing to its recognition of multiple political parties and consistent commitment to transparency as evidence against claims of any one-party agenda. INEC reiterated that it remains focused on delivering free, fair, and credible elections and would not be distracted by what it termed unfounded allegations.
Prof. Amupitan, a 58-year-old legal scholar born on April 25, 1967, in Aiyetoro Gbede, was nominated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in October 2025, screened and confirmed by the Senate, and sworn in on October 23, 2025. His appointment was widely viewed as bringing academic rigour and administrative experience to the commission at a critical time for Nigeria’s democracy.
The Kogi youths’ protest reflects strong local support for the INEC Chairman, with many residents viewing the attacks against him as politically motivated persecution rather than genuine concerns about electoral integrity.
As debates over INEC’s leadership continue, stakeholders across the country are closely monitoring developments, with calls for all parties to allow the commission to operate without undue interference so that democratic processes can remain credible and independent.
The protest in Aiyetoro Gbede ended peacefully, with participants urging Nigerians to rally behind institutions that uphold democratic values rather than engage in what they described as divisive politicking.
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