Youths Protest in Kogi Against Undermining INEC Leadership
In Aiyetoro Gbede, located in Kogi State’s Ijumu Local Government Area, local youths staged a protest on Monday, denouncing what they perceive to be a politically motivated effort to undermine the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The demonstration, organized by various youth and civil society groups, saw participants marching through the community’s main streets. They voiced their strong support for the autonomy of electoral bodies and expressed confidence in Professor Joash Ojo Ampitan, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and INEC’s National Commissioner candidate.
Protesters carried placards with messages such as “Enemies of fairness, beware!” and “Fair elections start in Ampitan.” They asserted that recent social media claims and rumors are part of a larger strategy aimed at discrediting the electoral system.
The sight of young protestors on motorcycles and foot captured the attention of local residents, as they chanted songs of solidarity and called for the safeguarding of democratic institutions. During the protest, youth leader Segun emphasized their resolve to resist any efforts to intimidate or compromise electoral bodies.
“We are here to send a clear message. The sanctity of INEC must be upheld. Professor Ampitan is a man of integrity and a proud son of this country. Any attempt to defame or unjustly tarnish his character is an attack on democracy,” he stated.
This protest arises amidst a nationwide discourse regarding the appointment of a new INEC national commissioner. Some civil society organizations and opposition voices have raised concerns about the perceived political affiliations of certain candidates.
However, the youth in Kogi dismissed these allegations as “sponsored propaganda,” asserting that Ampitan’s professional background and legal expertise would enhance the commission’s credibility and facilitate a transparent electoral process.
In response to the ongoing discourse, INEC has rejected calls for the removal of its chairman, labeling such demands as unconstitutional and a threat to the commission’s independence. In a statement issued from Abuja and signed by the Chairman’s Spokesperson, Adedayo Oketola, the commission highlighted that its leadership is firmly regulated by constitutional provisions, specifically Article 157 of the amended 1999 Constitution.
INEC clarified that its actions, including compliance with court rulings and decisions relating to party activities, are conducted in accordance with the rule of law, reinforcing Nigeria’s democratic framework. Furthermore, it refuted claims of partisan bias, affirming its commitment to recognizing multiple political parties and ensuring electoral transparency.
As for the planned nationwide voter revalidation initiative, the European Commission has clarified that it is a routine administrative measure focused on sanitizing voter rolls and enhancing the integrity of electoral data. INEC reassured the public of its commitment to conducting free, fair, and credible elections, stating it would remain undistracted by unfounded allegations.
This move comes on the heels of crucial off-cycle elections set to occur in Ekiti and Osun states later this year, as stakeholders continue to examine the conduct and leadership of electoral management bodies across Nigeria.
