A group, the Arewa Think Tank, has condemned the reported recent protest against the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, outside Chatham House in London.
The group’s convener, Muhammad Alhaji Yakubu, who spoke in an interview with journalists in Kaduna yesterday, described the incident as an attempt to intimidate the INEC chairman, insisting that disagreements over electoral matters should be addressed through established democratic channels.
Yakubu said the electoral body must be allowed to discharge its constitutional responsibilities without intimidation, political pressure or attempts to undermine public confidence in the electoral process.
He urged Amupitan to remain resolute and focused on delivering credible elections in 2027, despite the reported incident.
“Millions of Nigerians are looking up to the electoral institution to discharge its responsibilities without fear or favour. He should remain committed to his mandate and ensure that every necessary preparation for the 2027 general elections is carried out professionally,” he said.
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The convener also called on political parties, civil society organisations, youth groups and other stakeholders to support INEC’s independence while holding the commission accountable through appropriate channels.
He maintained that supporting the electoral body did not mean shielding it from criticism, but cautioned against turning legitimate criticism into intimidation.
“Every institution must be accountable. However, accountability must not be confused with intimidation, and criticism must not become an excuse to destabilise the country,” Yakubu said.
He urged Nigerians to protect democratic institutions and support efforts towards peaceful and credible elections in 2027.
