Working People United (WoPU) has strongly condemned the disruption and heckling of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, by diaspora protesters outside Chatham House in London, describing the incident as an attack on Nigeria’s democratic institutions and national image.
Reacting to the events that unfolded on Thursday, the National Coordinator-General of WoPU, Comrade (Prince) Williams Eniredonana Akporeha, said the protest crossed the line of legitimate democratic engagement and amounted to an attempt to embarrass the country on an international stage.
Prof. Amupitan was in London to address stakeholders on Nigeria’s preparations for the 2027 general elections when protesters blocked his vehicle, displayed placards, and demanded his resignation over concerns surrounding the preliminary voters’ register.
According to Akporeha, such actions undermine rather than strengthen democratic processes.
“What happened in London was shameful, unpatriotic, and anti-democratic. Democracy is strengthened through constructive engagement and accountability, not by obstructing and humiliating the head of a nation’s electoral body on foreign soil,” he said.
WoPU, a coalition of workers, traders, artisans, professionals, and grassroots supporters of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu across the country, argued that Chatham House, as a respected global policy platform, should not have been turned into a venue for political spectacle.
Akporeha noted that Prof. Amupitan had demonstrated transparency in addressing concerns about the voters’ register.
He referenced INEC’s disclosure that 1,609,553 invalid entries were removed from the register, including 1,608,680 invalid registrations from the 2025/2026 Continuous Voter Registration exercise and 873 verified deceased persons. He also highlighted the commission’s move to prosecute 54 individuals across 10 states for offences including multiple registrations and photo substitution.
“Rather than criticising a Chairman who is strengthening the integrity of the register and exposing electoral fraud, those efforts should be acknowledged and encouraged. The path to credible elections is public verification, not street theatrics in London. In reality and with empirical facts, Prof Armupitan has so far displayed high sense of integrity and neutrality since assuming the coveted position as INEC Chairman and must be given his flowers and should not be treated with distain,” he stated.
Akporeha further welcomed INEC’s announcement of additional technological safeguards aimed at preventing the upload of fraudulent results to the Result Viewing Portal (IReV) during the 2027 elections.
“Prof. Amupitan has demonstrated openness by engaging international stakeholders and addressing public concerns directly. Responding to that transparency with hostility sends the wrong message to public officials committed to accountability,” he added.
He emphasized that credible elections are achieved through institutional reforms, public verification, and constructive participation, rather than what he described as “political theatrics abroad.” He also commended the INEC Chairman for what he called his professionalism, integrity, and neutrality since assuming office.
WoPU used the occasion to reaffirm its commitment to promoting people-centred governance, economic inclusion, social welfare, and national development. The movement said it would continue mobilising citizens through its nationwide grassroots structures in support of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and work toward securing broad electoral support in the 2027 general elections.
According to Akporeha, the administration’s policies and initiatives aimed at improving workers’ welfare, tackling unemployment, reducing poverty, and supporting pensioners have contributed to growing public confidence.
“While some are focused on criticism and disruption, the government is implementing policies and programmes designed to improve the lives of ordinary Nigerians. Ultimately, the verdict of the people will be expressed through the ballot box,” he said.
