Kogi Youths Protest Alleged Persecution of INEC Nominee

Youths from Aiyetoro Gbede in Ijumu Local Government Area, Kogi State, staged a protest alleging political persecution against Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, a nominee for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The demonstration, which involved various youth and civil society groups, aimed to voice strong support for INEC's independence and to express confidence in Amupitan's qualifications.

Protesters carried placards with messages condemning attempts to undermine the electoral body and insisted that recent rumors circulating on social media were part of a broader agenda to discredit the electoral system. Youth leader Segun emphasized the need to resist attempts to blackmail and weaken the electoral body.

INEC, in response, rejected calls for the removal of its chairman, describing such demands as unconstitutional and a threat to its independence. The commission reaffirmed its commitment to delivering free and fair elections, amidst ongoing debates about the appointment of new commissioners.