Kinsmen Reject Calls For INEC Chairman’s Resignation

The people of Ayetoro Gbede in Ijumu local government area of Kogi State have expressed their support for the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan.

They advised his critics to allow him to focus on his job of giving Nigeria a credible election in 2027.

In a show of solidarity, over 1,000 indigenes, predominantly youths, took to the streets in Ayetoro-Gbede, Ijumu LGA, Kogi State, for a peaceful rally to express confidence in the INEC boss, describing him as a man of proven integrity and competence.

The demonstrators carried placards bearing inscriptions such as “Stop Campaign of Calumny Against Our Son,” “Thank You Mr President for the Choice of Professor Joash Amupitan,” and “Stop Trying to Pull Him Down.”

During the rally, the national president of the Ayetoro Gbede Development Association (AGDA), Mr Samuel Olorunmaiye, praised Amupitan’s track record in academia and public service.

He highlighted his past roles as head of the Department of Public Law, dean of the Faculty of Law, and deputy vice-chancellor (Administration) at the University of Jos.

“Prof. Amupitan is a man of value, and we are proud of him. We urge Nigerians to allow him to concentrate on his duties. By the grace of God, we are confident he will succeed,” Olorunmaiye said.

He called on the INEC chairman to remain steadfast and deliver credible, free and fair elections in 2027, dismissing allegations of partisanship as unfounded and misleading.

Also addressing the gathering, the community’s youth leader, Comrade Elijah Babatunde, reaffirmed the unwavering support of Ayetoro-Gbede indigenes, both at home and in the diaspora.

“Come rain or shine, we stand firmly behind him. He should not be distracted by non-state actors but remain committed to his constitutional responsibilities and the provisions of the Electoral Act,” Babatunde stated.