In a rare show of inter-regional solidarity, the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) and the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide have jointly thrown their weight behind the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Josh Amupitan.

The groups issued a stern rebuttal to a recent wave of protests in the United Kingdom, where some individuals called for the removal of the INEC chief over the conduct of Nigerian elections.

In a joint statement released on Monday, the youth organizations described the protests in London as “misplaced, sponsored, and a blatant attempt to interfere in Nigeria’s internal democratic processes.” The groups argued that the calls for Yakubu’s sack do not represent the collective will of Nigerians but are instead the handiwork of “disgruntled elements” seeking to destabilize the nation’s electoral institution from abroad.

The Arewa and Ohanaeze youth wings emphasized that while the electoral process is not without its challenges, the current leadership of INEC has shown significant commitment to technological advancement and transparency. They pointed to the successful deployment of various electoral reforms as evidence of a commission that is evolving, warning that a forced change in leadership could trigger unnecessary instability and reverse the gains made in the democratic journey.

Furthermore, the groups urged the international community to disregard the agitations of those they termed “diaspora distractors.” They maintained that any grievances regarding the nation’s elections should be addressed through the appropriate legal channels within Nigeria rather than through foreign-based demonstrations. The statement concluded with a call for national unity, urging Nigerian youths to support institutions that uphold the country’s sovereignty and democratic integrity.