Kogi Youths Protest Alleged Political Persecution of INEC Chair

Hundreds of youths in Aiyetoro Gbede, Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, on Monday staged a protest, alleging a politically motivated campaign to undermine the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The protesters, drawn from youth and civil society groups, marched through major streets, expressing support for the electoral body’s independence and backing its chairman, Joash Ojo Amupitan. They also dismissed reports circulating on social media as attempts to discredit the commission.
Carrying placards with messages such as “Enemies of Fairness, Beware!” and “Fair Elections Start with Amupitan,” the demonstrators insisted that the allegations against the INEC leadership were baseless and part of a wider agenda.
The protest, which featured participants on motorcycles and on foot, attracted attention from residents as youths 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 weaken the commission, describing any move against Amupitan as an attack on democracy.
The protest comes amid ongoing national discussions over the appointment of new INEC National Commissioners, with some stakeholders raising concerns about alleged political affiliations among nominees.
However, the Kogi youths dismissed the claims as “sponsored propaganda,” arguing that Amupitan’s credentials and experience make him well-suited to strengthen the commission’s credibility.
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 signed by the Chairman’s Chief Press Secretary, Adedayo Oketola, the commission said its leadership is guided by constitutional provisions, particularly Section 157 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which outlines procedures for appointment and removal.
INEC maintained that its decisions, including compliance with court rulings and party-related matters, are based on the rule of law and aimed at safeguarding Nigeria’s democratic process.
The commission also denied allegations of partisanship, noting its recognition of multiple political parties as evidence of its neutrality.
It reaffirmed its commitment to conducting free, fair, and credible elections, stating it would not be distracted by what it described as unfounded claims.
The development comes ahead of upcoming off-cycle governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states, as scrutiny of the electoral body’s leadership continues.