A Patriotic Response to Calls for the Resignation of the INEC Chairman by Bello Charles Kolawole (Ph.D)
As a patriotic Nigerian committed to democracy, national unity, and constitutional order, I firmly reject recent calls for the resignation of the INEC Chairman. Such demands, especially when framed along religious or sectional lines—are ill-advised and contrary to Nigeria’s collective interest.
INEC is a constitutional institution established to serve all Nigerians, regardless of religion, ethnicity, or political affiliation. Its Chairman, Prof Joash Amupitan is appointed through a lawful process involving nominations, vetting and confirmation by state institutions. Calling for resignation outside this framework, without proof of misconduct, undermines the rule of law and weakens our democracy.
The current INEC leadership brings professionalism, institutional experience, and a clear commitment to electoral reform. At a time when Nigeria needs stability and public confidence in its electoral system, distracting or intimidating the electoral umpire is counterproductive. Democracies are strengthened by stable institutions—not by constant, unjustified agitation.
- Advertisement -
Nigeria’s challenges can not be solved by destabilizing INEC, but by improving and supporting it. ontinuity in leadership allows reforms to mature, credibility to deepen, and public trust to grow.
Nigeria’s constitution guarantees freedom of religion and expression, but these freedoms must never be weaponized against national institutions. Any group: religious, ethnic, or political that seeks to impose its will outside constitutional means acts unpatriotically and against national unity.
Nigeria is a secular state. Public offices are not allocated, assessed, or vacated on religious grounds. Framing institutional leadership as a religious contest is dangerous, divisive, and incompatible with a modern pluralistic democracy.
Such agitations distract Nigerians from the real issues that demand our attention: credible elections, economic development, security, and national cohesion.
True patriotism requires restraint, respect for institutions, and adherence to lawful processes. Where concerns exist about INEC or its leadership, the right path is constructive engagement, legal challenge, and policy advocacy—certainly not inflammatory rhetoric.
Therefore, Nigerians of goodwill must rise up to discourage opinions and movements that promote division, weaken democratic institutions, or elevate emotion and sectarian loyalty above national interest.
Nigeria’s democracy is still evolving and fragile. This reality demands maturity and responsibility from all citizens. The INEC Chairman should be judged by performance, integrity, and adherence to the law—not by unpatriotic pressure or sectional sentiment.
Let us rise above divisive narratives and recommit ourselves to democracy, the rule of law, and a united Nigeria—where institutions are respected and patriotism is measured by our dedication to the common good.
🇳🇬
*Bello Charles Kolawole (Ph.D)*
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, FEBRUARY 1ST 2026)
