Kogi Youths Protest Alleged Political Persecution Of INEC Chairman

Hundreds of youths from Aiyetoro Gbede in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State on Monday staged a peaceful protest, accusing political actors of orchestrating a campaign of persecution and blackmail against Joash Ojo Amupitan, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The demonstrators, drawn from the community and supported by civil society groups, marched through major streets on motorcycles and on foot, chanting solidarity songs and carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Enemies of Fairness, Beware!” and “Fair Elections Start with Amupitan.”

The protest comes amid growing national debate and calls from some opposition figures and groups for the removal of the INEC Chairman, who assumed office in October 2025 following the end of Mahmood Yakubu’s tenure.

Critics have questioned his alleged political affiliations and some decisions taken by the commission, including its compliance with court rulings on party matters.

Addressing the protesters, a youth leader identified as Segun described the allegations against Amupitan as a calculated 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,” he said.

The youths dismissed the claims against the INEC boss as “sponsored propaganda,” citing his credentials as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and former Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jos.

They also highlighted his emergence as the first indigene of Kogi State to head INEC, describing it as a historic milestone.

The demonstration comes at a time of heightened scrutiny of INEC ahead of off-cycle elections and preparations for the 2027 general elections.

Some political groups, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), have called for Amupitan’s resignation, alleging bias in the commission’s handling of party affairs.

However, INEC has rejected the calls, insisting they are unconstitutional and threaten the independence of the electoral body. In a statement signed by the

Chairman’s Chief Press Secretary, Adedayo Oketola, the commission maintained that the appointment and removal of its leadership are governed strictly by constitutional provisions.

The commission stressed that its actions, including adherence to court judgments, are guided by the rule of law and aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s democratic process. It also dismissed claims of partisanship, noting its recognition of multiple political parties and commitment to transparency.

Appointed by Bola Ahmed Tinubu in October 2025, Amupitan was subsequently confirmed by the Senate and sworn in later that month. His appointment was widely seen as bringing legal expertise and administrative experience to the electoral body.

The protest ended peacefully, with participants urging Nigerians to support democratic institutions and resist what they described as politically motivated attacks capable of undermining electoral integrity.