A coalition of socio-cultural organizations under the aegis of Ethnic Youth Leaders Across Nigeria has condemned the call by former presidential candidate Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim for the resignation of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Joash Amupitan, describing it as “nonsensical and politically motivated.”

The group was responding to recent remarks by Dr. Olawepo-Hashim, in which he rejected INEC’s newly adjusted timetable for the 2027 general elections and demanded the resignation of Professor Amupitan, alleging attempts to undermine Nigeria’s democracy.

Spokesperson for the youth coalition, Mirabel Ashara, said the demand was baseless, premature, and lacked constitutional merit. She stressed that adjustments to election timetables fall within the statutory powers of INEC under the Constitution and the Electoral Act.

“The call for the resignation of Professor Joash Amupitan over an adjusted election timetable is not only nonsensical but also an attempt to heat up the polity unnecessarily,” the statement read.

The group urged political actors to resolve grievances through lawful and institutional mechanisms, warning that public agitation could erode citizens’ confidence in democratic institutions.

They further called on Nigerians to remain calm and trust INEC’s ability to conduct credible, free, and fair elections in 2027, noting that electoral reforms and administrative adjustments are designed to strengthen, not weaken, democracy.

Reaffirming their confidence in Professor Amupitan’s leadership, the youth leaders described him as a seasoned legal scholar and administrator committed to transparency, neutrality, and the rule of law.

They advised all political stakeholders to prioritize national stability and democratic consolidation over personal or partisan interests.