Kogi Youths Protest Alleged Plot Against INEC Chair

Kogi Youths Protest Alleged Plot Against INEC Chair

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

Hundreds of youths in Aiyetoro Gbede, Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, on Monday took to the streets to protest what they described as a politically driven attempt to undermine the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The demonstrators, drawn from youth and civil society groups, marched through major roads in the community, expressing support for the commission’s independence and solidarity with its chairman, Joash Ojo Amupitan.

Carrying placards with messages such as “Enemies of Fairness, Beware!” and “Fair Elections Start with Amupitan,” the protesters alleged that recent claims circulating on social media were part of a coordinated effort to discredit the electoral system.

The protest, which featured a large convoy of motorcycles and participants on foot, attracted attention from residents as the youths chanted solidarity songs and called for the protection of democratic institutions.

Addressing the crowd, a youth leader, Segun, said the group would resist any attempt to weaken the electoral body through what he termed blackmail.

“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 demonstration comes amid heightened national discourse over the composition of INEC, particularly the appointment of new national commissioners, which has drawn scrutiny from some civil society organisations and opposition figures.

However, the protesting youths dismissed the concerns as “sponsored propaganda,” insisting that Amupitan’s professional background and legal expertise position him to strengthen electoral credibility.

Meanwhile, INEC has pushed back against calls for the removal of its chairman, describing such demands as unconstitutional and a threat to its independence.

In a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the chairman, Adedayo Oketola, the commission emphasised that its leadership is governed by constitutional provisions, specifically Section 157 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which outlines the procedure for appointment and removal.

The commission maintained that its actions, including compliance with court rulings and decisions on party matters, were guided strictly by the rule of law.

It also rejected allegations of partisanship, noting that its recognition of multiple political parties and commitment to transparency contradict claims of bias.

Reaffirming its stance, INEC said it remains focused on conducting free, fair and credible elections, adding that it would not be distracted by what it described as unfounded allegations.

The protest comes ahead of off-cycle governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states later in the year, as attention intensifies on the electoral body’s preparedness and neutrality.