A United Kingdom-based Nigerian lawyer, Dayo Babalola, has alleged that some Nigerians who protested against the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, outside Chatham House in London were paid to stage the demonstration.
Babalola, who said he witnessed the incident on Thursday, described the protesters as a small group of between 10 and 15 people, insisting that they did not represent Nigerians living in the UK or the wider diaspora.
In a statement on Friday, the lawyer disputed accounts and videos circulating on social media, saying they misrepresented what happened during and after Amupitan’s engagement at the London-based policy institute.
The INEC chairman had attended a programme titled, “Nigeria’s 2027 Elections: Democratic Trajectory and Regional Stability Beyond the Ballot,” where he discussed the country’s democratic future, electoral processes and preparations for the 2027 general elections.
Reports said protesters gathered outside the venue as Amupitan was leaving, allegedly blocking his vehicle and demanding that he address concerns over irregularities in the voters’ register. They also reportedly called for his resignation, accusing the electoral commission of compromising its independence.
However, Babalola said the demonstration occurred after the formal engagement and did not disrupt the programme.
He alleged that some protesters wore items bearing the image of Peter Obi. According to him, Chatham House security intervened and the group dispersed after the police were called.
The lawyer further claimed that he later encountered some members of the group on Jermyn Street, where he allegedly saw a man wearing New Democratic Congress-branded clothing paying them.
Babalola said the protesters insulted him when they recognised him, but he responded with a remark suggesting they had earned money to meet their immediate expenses.
He also rejected claims that Amupitan’s engagement was poorly attended, saying nearly 200 people were physically present, mostly Nigerians who had registered for the event.
He added that about 374 people registered and participated online, arguing that the figures demonstrated significant interest in the discussion.
Babalola maintained that Amupitan completed his presentation, answered questions and participated in the panel discussion without interruption.
He said the demonstration outside the venue should not be confused with the official engagement or used to suggest that the INEC chairman was disgraced during the programme.
While acknowledging Nigerians’ right to protest and demand accountability from public officeholders, the lawyer cautioned against presenting the actions of a few individuals as the collective position of the diaspora community.
He said his intervention was intended to correct what he considered misleading accounts of the incident, rather than defend any political party.
The allegation that some protesters were paid has not been independently established. The demonstration and Babalola’s account have nevertheless generated debate over the circumstances surrounding Amupitan’s London visit and the representation of Nigerians abroad.
You must be logged in to post a comment.