Ayetoro Gbede Community Stands Firm in Support of INEC Chairman Amid Calls for Resignation
Residents of Ayetoro Gbede in Ijumu Local Government Area have rallied behind Professor Joash Amupitan, Chairman of Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), urging those calling for his resignation to cease their campaigns and allow him to focus on his duties. The community’s show of support comes amid growing criticism and allegations of partisanship directed at the INEC boss.
Over 1,000 youths from Ayetoro Gbede took to the streets in a solidarity rally, brandishing placards with messages such as “Stop Campaign of Calumny Against Our Son,” “Thank You, Mr. President, for Choosing Professor Joash Amupitan,” and “Stop Trying to Pull Him Down.” The demonstrators lauded Amupitan as a man of integrity and called for an end to what they described as baseless distractions.
Speaking on behalf of the community, Samuel Olorunmaiye, National President of the Ayetoro Gbede Development Association (AGDA), emphasized Amupitan’s distinguished career and unwavering commitment to public service. “Professor Amupitan has served the nation in various capacities, including as Head of the Department of Public Law at the University of Jos, Dean of the Faculty of Law, and Deputy Vice Chancellor for Administration,” Olorunmaiye stated.
He further appealed to Nigerians to allow Amupitan to perform his duties without interference, expressing confidence that the INEC chairman would deliver free, fair, and transparent elections in 2027. “Prof. Amupitan is a man of value, and we value him. We urge him to remain focused and not be swayed by external pressures,” Olorunmaiye added.
The community’s youth leader, Elijah Babatunde, echoed these sentiments, affirming the unwavering support of Ayetoro Gbede residents both at home and abroad. He urged Amupitan to remain steadfast in his commitment to upholding Nigeria’s electoral laws and Constitution. “Calls for Professor Amupitan’s resignation are politically motivated and aimed at derailing him from his mandate,” Babatunde said.
This is not the first time an INEC chairman has faced calls for resignation, Babatunde noted, dismissing allegations of partisanship as unfounded. “Professor Amupitan is a neutral figure appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to lead the commission. He is not a politician, and he will not compromise his integrity,” he asserted.
The rally in Ayetoro Gbede underscores the community’s pride in Amupitan’s achievements and their belief in his ability to steer Nigeria’s electoral process with fairness and transparency. As the 2027 general elections draw closer, the pressure on INEC and its chairman is expected to intensify, but Ayetoro Gbede has made it clear they stand firmly behind their son.
— Reported by Nexio News
