society

Kogi Youths Rise in Protest, Allege Political Persecution Against Amupitan

Published

1 month ago

April 13, 2026

Kogi Youths Rise in Protest, Allege Political Persecution Against Amupitan

AIYETORO GBEDE, KOGI — Hundreds of youths in Aiyetoro Gbede, Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, on Monday staged a protest over what they described as a politically motivated attempt to undermine the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The demonstrators, drawn from various youth and civil society groups, marched through major streets of the community, voicing strong support for the independence of the electoral body and expressing confidence in Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and INEC National Commissioner-nominee.

Carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Enemies of Fairness, Beware!” and “Fair Elections Start with Amupitan,” the protesters insisted that recent claims and rumours circulating on social media were part of a broader agenda to discredit the electoral system.

The protest featured a large procession of youths on motorcycles and on foot, drawing attention from residents as participants chanted solidarity songs and called for the protection of democratic institutions.
Speaking during the demonstration, a youth leader identified as Segun said the group would resist any attempt to “blackmail” or weaken the electoral body.

“We are here to send a clear message: the sanctity of INEC must be preserved. Prof. Amupitan is a man of integrity and a proud son of this land. Any attempt to malign his character or remove him unjustly is an attack on democracy,” he said.

The protest comes amid ongoing national debates over the appointment of new INEC National Commissioners, with some civil society organisations and opposition voices raising concerns about alleged political affiliations of certain nominees.

However, the Kogi youths dismissed such allegations as “sponsored propaganda,” arguing that Amupitan’s professional record and legal expertise position him to strengthen the credibility of the commission and ensure transparent electoral processes.

Meanwhile, INEC has rejected calls for the removal of its chairman, describing such demands as unconstitutional and a threat to the independence of the electoral body.

In a statement issued in Abuja and signed by Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman, Adedayo Oketola, the Commission stressed that its leadership is governed strictly by constitutional provisions, particularly Section 157 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which outlines the process for appointment and removal.

The Commission explained that its recent actions, including compliance with court rulings and decisions relating to party activities, were guided by the rule of law and aimed at safeguarding Nigeria’s democratic framework.

INEC also dismissed claims of partisan bias, noting that its recognition of multiple political parties and commitment to electoral transparency contradict allegations of a one-party agenda.

On the planned nationwide voter revalidation exercise, the Commission clarified that the initiative is a routine administrative process designed to sanitise the voter register, eliminate irregularities, and enhance the integrity of electoral data.

Reaffirming its commitment, INEC stated that it remains focused on delivering free, fair, and credible elections, adding that it would not be distracted by what it described as unfounded allegations.

The developments come ahead of key off-cycle elections in Ekiti and Osun states later in the year, as stakeholders continue to scrutinise the electoral body’s actions and leadership.

society

US-Based Society Lady, Fehintola-Brat Extends Eid-El-Kabir Greetings To Muslims

Published

12 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Sahara Weekly

US-Based Society Lady, Fehintola-Brat Extends Eid-El-Kabir Greetings To Muslims

United States based fahionista of class, Chief (Mrs) Ayoola Fehintola-Brat has extended a warm greetings to Muslim faithful all over the world on the occasion of the 2026 Eid-El-Kabir celebration.

Fehintola-Brat who is the Balogun Egbe Obaneye Obinrin Akile Ijebu, and the Yeye Asofin of Idenaland in her message to Journalists urged Muslim to continually uphold the enduring values of sacrifice, obedience, faith, and compassion, which are central to the significance of Eid-El-Kabir festival.

A quiet philantropist whose humanitarian services has won her several laurels urged Muslims to use the spiritual occasion to pray for the peace co-existence of Nigerians regardless of religious, social and political leanings stressing that the oneness of the country should not be underplay.

In a related development, she expressed her felicitations to all sons and daughters of Ijebuland on the forthcoming Ojude Oba 2026 celebration, tasking age-groups otherwise known as Regbregbe to be more proactive in giving back to their immediate communities.

According to her, the beauty of the age-groups in Ijebuland is the need to contribute immensely to the development of the land in no small means. “This we will continue to achieve with God on our side”, she concluded.

society

Sallah: Obasa Felicitates Muslim Ummah, Commends Nigerians for APC Primaries Turnout

Published

14 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Sallah: Obasa Felicitates Muslim Ummah, Commends Nigerians for APC Primaries Turnout

The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa has extended warm felicitations to Muslims in Lagos State and across Nigeria on the occasion of Eid al-Adha.

In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Dave Agboola, Obasa described the festival as a season of sacrifice, reflection, and gratitude, urging the faithful to continue to uphold the values of peace, unity, and love that strengthen the nation.

He noted that the celebration of Eid al-Adha is not only a spiritual milestone but also a reminder of the importance of togetherness and collective responsibility in building a stronger society.

He, likewise, emphasized that the festival provides an opportunity for Nigerians to renew their commitment to national progress and to support leadership that prioritizes development and prosperity.

Obasa, however, commended Nigerians, particularly members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), for their massive turnout during the recently concluded party primaries. He described the participation as a clear demonstration of the people’s confidence in the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and their belief in the administration’s vision for a greater Nigeria.

“The APC primaries have shown the resilience of our democracy and the confidence Nigerians have in the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Renewed Hope Agenda. This is a strong message that our people are ready to continue supporting policies that will drive growth and prosperity,” Obasa stated.

The Speaker further encouraged Muslims to celebrate responsibly, stressing that the joy of Eid should be accompanied by prayers for the continued peace and progress of Lagos State and Nigeria.

“As you celebrate with family and loved ones, may this season bring joy, peace, and prosperity to your homes. Let us remain united in our resolve to build a stronger nation,” he added.

On behalf of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Obasa wished all Muslims a happy and fulfilling Eid al-Adha celebration.

society

ABEOKUTA FILM FESTIVAL AT ILEYA

Published

1 day ago

May 26, 2026

Sahara Weekly

ABEOKUTA FILM FESTIVAL AT ILEYA

Kayshow Multimedia a filmmaking and Media organization this year 2026 holds its annual Abeokuta film festival at the Ake Palace in Abeokuta.

Alake of Egba land, Ọba Michael Adedotun Arẹmu Gbadebo has graciously endorsed the Free Training of Egba Youths on Film and Arts and the Entertainment of the the People with a FREE FILM SHOW at the AKE PAVILION. as part of the ABEOKUTA FILM FESTIVAL 2.0.

The Convener of the Film Festival Honorable Kehinde Soaga says this year’s event promises to be more exciting as distinguished personalities are sure to attend.

This includes the honorable Minister for Art Culture and Creative Economy in Nigeria, Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa, Ààrẹ Lai Labode, Sen. Ibikunle Amosun and other special guests.

The event will feature Film, Cultural Dance Cultural foods and Award Ceremony.

The general public is hereby invited to the Free film show at the Abeokuta film festival at the Alake Palace Pavilion on Thursday 28th of May 2026 by 4:00 p.m.

Only well dressed is the Entry. The Abeokuta Film Festival is an annual event taking place in the capital city of Ogun State state.