Hundreds of youths in Aiyetoro Gbede, Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, on Monday staged a peaceful march in support of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and its chairman, Joash Ojo Amupitan.
The demonstrators, drawn from youth and civil society groups, moved through the community on motorcycles, carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Enemies of Fairness, Beware!” and “Fair Elections Start with Amupitan.”
Addressing the crowd, a youth leader identified as Segun said the protest was aimed at defending both the INEC chairman and the integrity of the electoral body.
“We are here to send a clear message: the sanctity of INEC must be protected. Prof. Amupitan is a man of integrity. Any attempt to tarnish his image is a direct attack on democracy,” he said.
The youths described allegations against the chairman as politically motivated, insisting that his legal background and track record position him to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral credibility.
The protest comes amid growing national debate over his appointment, with some groups calling for his removal.
However, INEC has pushed back, stating that its leadership structure is guided by constitutional provisions and cannot be altered outside due process. The commission warned that any attempt to remove its chairman unlawfully would threaten its independence.
INEC also reaffirmed its commitment to free, fair, and credible elections, noting that it continues to recognise multiple political parties and uphold democratic principles.
The development comes as scrutiny of the commission intensifies ahead of upcoming off-cycle governorship elections in Ekiti State and Osun State.
