Kogi youths rally in support of INEC chair, decry alleged smear campaign
Youths from Aiyetoro Gbede in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State staged a protest over what they described as attempts to undermine and discredit their kinsman and Chairman of
Youths from Aiyetoro Gbede in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State staged a protest over what they described as attempts to undermine and discredit their kinsman and Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan.
Amupitan hails from Aiyetoro Gbede, the same community as a prominent leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator Dino Melaye.
The Nation gathered that the protesters, drawn from various youth and civil society groups, marched through major streets of the town to express support for the independence of the electoral body and reaffirm confidence in the INEC chairman.
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They displayed placards and banners bearing inscriptions such as “Enemies of Fairness, Beware!” and “Fair Elections Start with Amupitan,” alleging that recent claims and rumours circulating on social media were part of a broader effort to discredit the electoral system.
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The demonstrators moved around the community on motorcycles and on foot, chanting solidarity songs and calling for the protection of democratic institutions.
Addressing the gathering, a youth leader, identified simply 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.
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The protest comes amid ongoing national debates over the appointment of new INEC National Commissioners, with some civil society organisations and opposition voices raising concerns about alleged political affiliations of certain nominees.
They dismissed allegations against the INEC Chairman as “sponsored propaganda,” arguing that Amupitan’s professional record and legal expertise position him to strengthen the credibility of the commission and ensure transparent electoral processes.
Meanwhile, the commission has rejected calls for the removal of its chairman, describing such demands as unconstitutional and a threat to the independence of the electoral body.
Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman, Adedayo Oketola said the Commission leadership is governed strictly by constitutional provisions, particularly Section 157 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which outlines the process for appointment and removal.
He said recent actions by the Commission, including compliance with court rulings and decisions relating to party activities, were guided by the rule of law and aimed at safeguarding Nigeria’s democratic framework.
It also dismissed claims of partisan bias, noting that its recognition of multiple political parties and commitment to electoral transparency contradict allegations of a one-party agenda.
INEC stated that it remains focused on delivering free, fair, and credible elections, adding that it would not be distracted by what it described as unfounded allegations.
