“We Will Defend INEC’s Integrity” – Kogi Youths Stage Massive Protest Over Alleged Plot Against INEC Chairman

Hundreds of youths in Aiyetoro Gbede, Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, on Monday staged a large protest alleging a politically motivated attempt to undermine the leadership and credibility of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The demonstrators, drawn from various youth and civil society groups, marched through major streets of the community in support of the electoral body’s independence and in solidarity with Joash Ojo Amupitan, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and chairman of the commission.

Carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Enemies of Fairness, Beware!” and “Fair Elections Start with Amupitan,” the protesters rejected claims circulating on social media, describing them as part of a coordinated attempt to discredit the electoral system and its officials.

The procession, which included motorcyclists and pedestrians, drew significant attention as participants chanted solidarity songs and called for the protection of democratic institutions.

Speaking during the protest, a youth leader identified as Segun said the group would resist any attempt to blackmail or weaken INEC or tarnish the reputation of Prof. Amupitan.

“We are here to send a clear message: the sanctity of INEC must be protected. Prof. Amupitan is a man of integrity and a proud son of this land. Any attempt to malign his character is an attack on democracy,” he said.

The protest comes amid ongoing national discussions over the appointment of the chairman, with stakeholders debating issues around neutrality, eligibility, and political influence.

However, the youths dismissed the allegations as “sponsored propaganda,” insisting that Amupitan’s legal experience and professional record position him to contribute meaningfully to strengthening electoral credibility and institutional trust.

Meanwhile, INEC has reiterated its rejection of calls for the removal or targeting of its leadership, describing such demands as unconstitutional and a threat to the independence of the commission.

In a statement signed by its Chief Press Secretary, Adedayo Oketola, the commission stressed that its operations are guided strictly by constitutional provisions, particularly Section 157 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which outlines procedures for appointment and removal of officials.

INEC maintained that its actions including compliance with court rulings and electoral procedures are anchored on the rule of law and aimed at safeguarding Nigeria’s democratic process.

The commission also dismissed allegations of partisan bias, noting its continued recognition of multiple political parties and commitment to credible elections.

It further explained that the ongoing voter revalidation exercise is a routine administrative process designed to clean up the voter register and improve electoral integrity.

The development comes as attention builds ahead of off-cycle governorship elections in Ekiti State and Osun State, where scrutiny of the electoral body remains high.