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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 the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission.

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.

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.

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A suspected leader of the Buccaneers confraternity in Surulere, Lagos, Adedipe Adeyinkan, popularly known as Yinka Agali, has been assassinated.

It was gathered that the incident occurred on Saturday night, April 11, 2026, in the Iponri area of Surulere, where the deceased was reportedly regarded as an influential figure within the group.

According to reports, Agali was attacked while driving along the Iponri axis. While some accounts attribute the killing to ongoing rivalry between cult groups, others suggest the possibility of political motives, especially in the build-up to local elections.

Videos circulating on social media have also linked the deceased to the All Progressives Congress, APC, although these claims remain unverified.

Confirming the development, the Lagos State Police Command said it received a report of gunfire at about 11:30 p.m. near the National Stadium Bridge towards Iponri.

A patrol team from the Surulere Division was immediately dispatched to the scene, where officers discovered the victim inside an unregistered white Mercedes-Benz GLE 350, with multiple gunshot wounds.

Police spokesperson, Abimbola Adebisi, said the victim was rushed to Mainland General Hospital, Yaba, where he was confirmed dead. His remains were subsequently deposited in a morgue for autopsy.

She further disclosed that the attackers abandoned an unregistered black Ford Edge at the scene and escaped in another vehicle. Both vehicles have since been recovered, while efforts are ongoing to track down and apprehend those responsible.

Adebisi added that the family of the deceased has retrieved the body and indicated that it would not pursue the case further.

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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has finally spoken on the incident of the Kugbo bus terminal.

Addressing newsmen on Monday, Wike said that the bus terminal did not collapse.

According to him, only the roof of the bus terminal was affected due to a strong wind.

The minister added that the contractor would not be sanctioned because the bus terminal structure wasn’t affected.

The former Rivers state governor further stated that the damages are currently being fixed.

Recall that rainstorm affected the bus terminal last Tuesday blowing off the roof and causing heavy traffic jam.

“The Kugbo bus terminal did not collapse. It’s only the roof that was removed due to the strong wind,” he said.