‘Come Out and Talk to Us’: Demonstrators Challenge Amupitan in London

Nigerian demonstrators in London confronted the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, demanding answers over concerns surrounding Nigeria’s electoral system ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The confrontation occurred on Thursday, November 12, as Amupitan departed Chatham House after participating in a discussion on Nigeria’s electoral preparations and democratic development.

Videos circulating on social media showed protesters surrounding a vehicle conveying the INEC chairman and calling on him to address their concerns.

Some demonstrators repeatedly shouted, “Why are you running? Come out and talk to us,” while others demanded explanations over alleged irregularities in the country’s voter register.

One of the protesters carried a placard bearing the inscription, “Amupitan, no more election fraud”.

The demonstrators also questioned the commission’s handling of electoral matters and expressed concerns about the credibility of the forthcoming elections.

Amupitan reportedly remained inside the vehicle and did not make an audible response to the protesters before leaving the area.

The confrontation followed public criticism of INEC over suspected irregularities involving photographs in its preliminary voter register.

The commission had previously disclosed that it traced some of the questionable photographs to alleged misconduct by registration officers who had access to its portal.

During his engagement at Chatham House, Amupitan acknowledged that problems associated with the transmission of results during the 2023 general elections had weakened public confidence in the electoral body.

He said INEC was taking steps to improve the conduct of the 2027 elections and ensure a smoother electoral process.

The session, organised in partnership with the Kimpact Development Initiative, was titled “Nigeria’s 2027 Elections: Democratic Trajectory and Regional Stability Beyond the Ballot”.

The London confrontation has added to the scrutiny facing INEC as it prepares for another general election, with questions over voter registration, transparency and public trust remaining central to the debate.