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.

INEC Chair Dispute: Officials Stress Independence From All Political Interests

ABUJA — Fresh clarifications have emerged over the composition of the legal team that represented the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2023 presidential election petition, as experts debunk renewed claims linking Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan to the case.

The clarification follows persistent social media allegations that Amupitan served as counsel to the APC during proceedings at the Supreme Court after the 2023 presidential election won by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

However, legal analysts and practitioners have pointed out that the name being referenced in official records is that of Taiwo Osipitan, SAN, a distinguished Senior Advocate of Nigeria who was indeed part of the APC’s legal representation.

According to sources familiar with the proceedings, the confusion appears to stem from a mix-up of names, which has since been amplified by online commentators.

“Taiwo Osipitan was on the legal team. Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan was not. The records are clear,” a senior legal practitioner in Abuja said.

A review of publicly available court documents and reports from the 2023 election petition confirms that Amupitan did not file processes, appear in court, or act in any legal capacity for the APC.

The issue, observers say, resurfaced during scrutiny of Amupitan’s nomination for a top electoral role, when some groups raised concerns about alleged political links. Those claims, however, were not substantiated with verifiable evidence and were dismissed during the screening process.

Analysts argue that the continued recycling of the allegation reflects a broader pattern of misinformation in the political space, where previously debunked claims are reintroduced to shape public perception.

They further note that conflating individuals with similar professional backgrounds, particularly within Nigeria’s legal community, can lead to misleading conclusions if not properly verified.

“As it stands, there is no credible record linking Amupitan to the APC legal team,” another legal source said. “What exists is a clear case of mistaken identity.”

Observers have urged greater caution in public discourse, emphasizing that issues relating to electoral integrity and institutional leadership must be grounded in facts rather than speculation.

 *UNITED KINGDOM OF ATLANTIS ISSUES GENERAL CIRCULAR ON LEGITIMACY AND ATC EMPOWERMENT LIAISON OFFICES*

11th April, 2026 – The Ministry of Information and Culture of the United Kingdom of Atlantis (UKA) has released an official General Circular addressing public narratives questioning the legitimacy of UKA as a sovereign nation.

The UKA government affirms that the United Kingdom of Atlantis is a fully legitimate and sovereign Nation. The government has established physical offices that host its ATC Project and Programs. These offices serve as official *Empowerment Liaison and Service” Centers* to the public.

*Key Points from the Circular:*

– The UKA distances itself from suggestions that it is not a legitimate or operating Nation.

– The government emphasizes its sovereignty and legitimacy.

– ATC Empowerment Liaison Offices act as official service centers for public engagement.

*Official ATC Empowerment Liaison Offices Worldwide:*

•*Pakistan*: 672-Umer Block, Allama Iqbal Town, Lahore, Pakistan

Tel: +923214414915

• *Thailand (Asian Official UKA Liaison Office)*: 45/210 Moo 5, Suan Luang Subdistrict, Krathum Baen District, Samut Sakhon Province, Thailand 74110

Tel: +66 646470024

•*Malaysia*: No. 16, LEP 6/30, PARAGON 150, Taman Lestari Putra, 43300 Seri Kembangan, Selangor, Malaysia

Tel: +6015 3120002

• *Vietnam*: 14-16-18 Hoang Viet Street, Tan Son Nhat Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Tel: +84909081405

• *Zambia*: Jesmondine 13, Central Street, Marshland, Lusaka, Zambia

Tel: +260771715638

•*Canada Office*:

– Address: 11-36 Child Street, Coaticook, Quebec, Canada J1A2B1.

– Contact person: Eric Lamoureux.

– Tel: +13673213390.

•*India Office*:

– Address: 411/A, “Shridhan”, in front of Aawishkar Photo Studio, Markandi-Chiplun, Dist-Ratnagiri, Maharashtra, India 415605.

– Tel: +917741990909.

Official Email*: [email protected].

*DESCRIPTION*:

All offices function as information and service centers for citizens, non‑citizens, and partners of UKA, expressing appreciation for trust and commitment to the United Kingdom of Atlantis and its projects.

The UKA government invites the public, citizens, and followers to recognize its legitimacy and engage with its Empowerment Liaison Offices for official services and programs.

Signed by;

Minister of Humanitarian, Culture and Kingdom Affair, United Kingdom of Atlantis.