By Muhammad Nasir
A coalition of youth groups in Sokoto, supported by opposition political parties, staged a protest at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office on Wednesday, calling on the Federal Government to take urgent steps to protect Nigeria’s 27-year democracy.
The protesters, led by Mr Yusuf Abubakar, marched peacefully from the Federal Secretariat to the INEC office in the state, holding placards and chanting political slogans.
The rally saw participation from youth, women, opposition party members, as well as representatives from the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and commercial tricycle and motorcycle operators.
Abubakar, speaking on behalf of the demonstrators, demanded the immediate removal of INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, or for him to resign voluntarily.
“Federal government must endorse Amupitan’s expulsion or he resigns himself voluntarily to save our 27 years democracy,” he said.
He alleged that Amupitan’s leadership was threatening the integrity of Nigeria’s democracy, particularly following INEC’s removal of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) leadership from its portal.
“INEC action is a clear violation of democratic rights as such we are calling for justice and a stand for a transparent, fair democracy as we approach the 2027 elections.
“The Federal Government must act to preserve the integrity of our democracy. The actions of INEC are undermining the democratic process,” Abubakar added.
The protest was received by Mr Yahaya Tanko, Head of General Administration and Procurement at INEC, on behalf of the Sokoto State Resident Electoral Commissioner.
Tanko acknowledged the peaceful nature of the demonstration and assured the protesters that their grievances would be forwarded to the appropriate authorities.
