A non-political group, the Arewa Grassroots Leaders Assembly (AGLA) has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to “stay the course” and “defend democracy” by sustaining the current momentum of electoral reforms.

The National President of AGLA, Onogu Collins, made the call in Abuja on Friday during a solidarity march at the commission’s headquarters.

Mr Collins, who led members of the assembly from 19 northern states and the FCT, described the gathering as a “protest of encouragement.”

He said that the group was at INEC headquarters to lend its voice in commendation of the progress recorded since the Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan assumed office in October 2025.

He stated, “Since assuming office in October 2025, the INEC Chairman has demonstrated administrative will, institutional courage, and commitment to electoral reforms.”

Mr Collins noted that within a short period, INEC under Mr Amupitan had successfully conducted three major electoral exercises in Anambra, Kano, and Rivers states, as well as the FCT Area Council elections.

“These elections, by domestic and international observer accounts, were largely peaceful, procedurally transparent, technologically progressive, and administratively coordinated.

“We therefore stand today to acknowledge that credible elections are possible in Nigeria when leadership aligns with institutional integrity,” he said.

Mr Collins said that it was also commendable that those elections witnessed improved logistics deployment, early arrival of materials in most polling units and enhanced security coordination.

He also commended the inclusion of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs), youth participation as ad hoc staff, and transparent stakeholder engagement.

He also lauded the technological innovations deployed under the current leadership, particularly the enhancements of Bimodal Voter Accreditation System and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV).

According to Mr Collins, the upgraded system has shown enhanced result upload stability, improved server uptime and faster upload speeds compared to previous cycles.

“These innovations represent measurable progress in Nigeria’s electoral technology evolution. We encourage the commission to continue investing in digital transparency tools that deepen public confidence,” Mr Collins said.

He noted that democracy thrives not only on voting but on trust, built through consistent credible processes.

He urged Mr Amupitan to consolidate on the gains recorded, strengthen result management systems and expand technology deployment.

He also called on the commission to deepen staff training, continue stakeholder openness, collaborate with relevant stakeholders to establish a backup network for transmitting and collating results in areas with limited or no network coverage.

“We stand to say that credible elections must continue, electoral technology must keep improving, transparency must remain non-negotiable.

“We therefore urge the chairman to stay the course, protect votes and defend democracy,” he said.

Emphasising that “Nigeria’s democracy is safer when elections are credible,” Mr Collins called on Nigerians, especially political actors and the media to support electoral institutions constructively.

Addressing the group, INEC National Commissioner, Prof. Abdullahi Zuru, appreciated the AGLA members for recognising the good works of INEC and the achievements recorded under Mr Amupitan within the short time.

Mr Zuru assured Nigerians that INEC under Mr Amupitan’s leadership would continue to do everything possible to give Nigerians fair, free, inclusive, credible and acceptable elections at all times.

“I will also note that there is a continuity in the leadership of INEC, making reference to the technological developments.

“Let me assure you and Nigerians in general, that we shall not relent, we will continue to do what is necessary to be done to ensure that our democracy thrives.

“We will not relent, all we ask is the understanding and cooperation of Nigerians,” he said.

Mr Zuru told the group that Mr Amupitan as the leader of INEC would act in the interest of Nigeria and humanity.

Some of the placards displayed by the marchers were “Our votes must always count,” “Digital transparency is the future of election,” and “Peaceful elections are possible” among others.

(NAN)