Tension flared in Sokoto State on Wednesday as a coalition of political parties and youth groups staged a protest at the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, office, demanding the immediate resignation of its National Chairman, Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, over alleged bias and injustice.
The protesters, operating under the Coalition of Political Parties and comprising members of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Labour Party and other registered parties, accused the commission’s leadership of favouring certain political interests to the detriment of others.
Addressing journalists during the demonstration, a protest leader said the group was in Sokoto to press two key demands — the resignation of the INEC chairman and intervention by the Federal Government.
“We are here to demand the resignation of the national chairman. We are also calling on the Federal Government, both the executive and legislative arms, to ensure he exits that position honourably,” he said.
The protesters further alleged that the commission was acting in the interest of certain political actors, warning that such actions could undermine democratic principles and political inclusiveness.
They also decried what they described as the unjust removal of a political party from INEC’s portal, insisting that the move weakens confidence in the electoral process.
In a charged remark, one of the activists urged security agencies to exercise restraint, noting that both citizens and security personnel face similar economic realities.
“We are all Nigerians. We go to the same markets and buy at the same prices. If they are deployed to disperse us, we are ready. This is a struggle for democracy,” he said.
The protest, however, remained peaceful as security operatives monitored activities around the commission’s office.
Responding, INEC’s Head of General Administration and Procurement, Hussaini Tanko Yahaya, who received a protest letter from the group, assured that their grievances would be forwarded to the appropriate authorities.
“We have received your letter and will acknowledge it accordingly. All the issues raised will be taken up with the commission,” he said.
He added that the commission remains committed to addressing concerns through appropriate channels.
