Chatham House: Protesters Who Confronted Amupitan Were Paid, UK-based Lawyer Alleges

Nigerian lawyer Otunba Dayo Babalola claims that some protesters who confronted INEC Chairperson Prof. Joash Amupitan outside Chatham House in London were paid to stage the demonstration. Babalola, who was present at the event, dismissed claims that the protesters represented Nigerians living in the diaspora, stating that they were a small group of 10 to 15 individuals.

He dismissed social media reports and videos as a "gross misrepresentation" of what happened, asserting that the demonstrators did not reflect the views of Nigerians in the UK or the wider diaspora. The protest occurred after Amupitan's speech at a Chatham House event titled "Nigeria's 2027 Elections: Democratic Trajectory and Regional Stability Beyond the Ballot."

After the event, the protesters blocked Amupitan's vehicle, demanded he address allegations of electoral irregularities, and called for his resignation. Police intervened, dispersing the group. Babalola alleged that some members of the group were wearing Peter Obi-branded memorabilia and were paid by a man wearing New Democratic Congress (NDC) memorabilia.

He emphasized that the protesters were outside the venue and did not participate in the event, clarifying that Amupitan's contribution and responses were not interrupted or tarnished.