Over 1,000 youths and elders in Ayetoro Gbede reject calls for resignation, insist allegations are politically motivated, and urge focus on credible 2027 elections.

A wave of solidarity swept through Ayetoro Gbede in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State as residents turned out in large numbers to defend the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, against mounting criticism.

In a rally that drew over 1,000 youths and elders, the community sent a clear message to critics: stop what they described as sustained attacks and distractions aimed at undermining one of their own.

Chanting support and carrying placards, the demonstrators portrayed Amupitan as a man of proven integrity, urging Nigerians to allow him concentrate on his national assignment without political interference.

Community leaders, speaking on behalf of the group, dismissed allegations against the INEC boss as unfounded and driven by political interests. They warned against attempts to drag him into partisan disputes, stressing that such moves could weaken public confidence in the electoral system.

They highlighted Amupitan’s longstanding record of service, pointing to his distinguished academic career at the University of Jos, where he served as Head of Department, Dean of the Faculty of Law, and Deputy Vice-Chancellor.

Reaffirming their confidence in his leadership, the community called on the INEC Chairman to remain resolute and committed to delivering free, fair, and credible elections in 2027.

The show of support comes amid intensifying national conversations around the neutrality and independence of Nigeria’s electoral institutions, placing INEC and its leadership under increasing public scrutiny.