Group Passes Vote Of Confidence On INEC Chairman, National Commissioner

The Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL) has passed a vote of confidence on the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, and the Commission’s National Commissioner, Dr. Ken Nnamdi Ukeagu, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The organisation also announced plans to organise solidarity rallies across the five South-East states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, to demonstrate support for INEC’s leadership and preparations for credible elections.

COSEYL made this known in a press statement signed by its President General, Comrade Goodluck Ibem, and Publicity Secretary, Comrade Okey Nwaoru.

The group said its decision followed what it described as a campaign against Ukeagu by a group calling for his removal from the electoral commission.

It dismissed the campaign as baseless, insisting that allegations bordering on the alleged leakage of confidential electoral documents, partisan associations and electoral consultancy arrangements should not be treated as established facts without supporting evidence.

According to COSEYL, anyone with credible evidence of professional misconduct against the commissioner should approach the appropriate institutions rather than resort to public condemnation, threats and protests.

The organisation described Ukeagu as a man of integrity and professional discipline, adding that it had confidence in his character and commitment to his responsibilities.

It also warned against attempts by political pressure groups to influence the administrative decisions of INEC through threats of mass protests or occupation of its offices.

“INEC must be allowed to function independently, professionally and without intimidation from any political pressure group,” the statement said.

COSEYL said its vote of confidence in Amupitan was based on its belief in his leadership capacity and responsibility for steering the commission towards credible, transparent and acceptable elections.

It similarly expressed confidence in Ukeagu, who oversees Imo, Anambra and Ebonyi states, saying his integrity and professional disposition deserved protection from what it described as political intimidation.

The group urged INEC’s leadership to remain focused on its constitutional mandate and continue strengthening institutional safeguards ahead of the 2027 elections.

It said the planned solidarity rallies would provide an opportunity for South-East youths to express support for the commission’s independence and encourage it to deliver free, fair and transparent elections.

The organisation added that the rallies would be peaceful and orderly, stressing that the South-East was not a political monolith and that no single organisation could claim exclusive authority to speak for all Igbo youths.

COSEYL, however, clarified that its support for INEC was not a blank cheque, noting that it expected all electoral officials to maintain the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.