Abuja – The headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja witnessed a peaceful protest on Thursday, as the Igala Youths Council and several civil society organisations (CSOs) demanded the protection of newly created constituencies in Kogi East.
The protesters accused the Kogi State Government of attempting to abolish constituencies recently gazetted by INEC ahead of the 2027 general elections. Carrying placards, they urged the commission to safeguard what they described as constitutionally recognised constituencies established during delineation exercises in 2024 and 2026.
Speaking on behalf of the group, spokesperson Onogu Collins said the demonstration was necessary to prevent any move to undermine fair representation for Kogi East communities. The coalition raised particular alarm over alleged efforts to suppress the Enjema State Constituency in Ankpa Local Government Area through a proposed Harmonisation Bill.
“We are here peacefully to call on INEC to defend the integrity of the newly gazetted constituencies in Kogi East,” Collins said.
The protesters argued that the creation of additional constituencies was intended to address years of political imbalance and underrepresentation in the region. They warned that reversing the decision would deny affected communities democratic participation and developmental opportunities, describing such a move as marginalisation.
Receiving the protesters, INEC National Commissioner Professor Abdullahi Abduzuru assured them that the commission would review their concerns. “We will examine all the issues you have presented and respond appropriately, not just to you but to Nigerians as well,” he said.
Security personnel monitored the protest, which ended without incident. The demonstrators expressed confidence that INEC would protect the newly gazetted constituencies ahead of the next general elections.
