WorldStage — The Arewa Youth Forum (AYF) has commended the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), expressing confidence in the Commission’s management of recent elections and pledging to work with the electoral body to promote credible polls ahead of the 2027 general election.
The commendation was conveyed during a courtesy visit by an AYF delegation to INEC headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, where the Forum’s Board of Trustees Chairman, Alhaji Gambo Ibrahim Gujungu, praised the Commission’s efforts in improving election logistics, deployment of materials and adherence to electoral guidelines.
According to Gujungu, the Commission has made notable progress in strengthening the credibility of elections through the deployment of technology, particularly the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), which he said has helped reduce electoral fraud and improve public confidence in the voting process.
He also criticised what he described as politically motivated attacks against the Commission, arguing that public assessments of INEC should be based on facts rather than misinformation.
“An independent electoral body must be judged on facts and evidence, not propaganda. AYF strongly rejects the politicisation of INEC, especially at this critical time in our national history,” he said.
Responding, INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), thanked the Forum for its support, describing the visit as a demonstration of confidence in the Commission’s work.
He reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to conducting credible elections and urged Nigerians to support the Commission as preparations intensify for the 2027 general election.
Amupitan disclosed that the Presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for January 15, 2027, while Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will be held on February 6, 2027.
He said the Commission would continue to build on lessons from recent off-cycle governorship elections, noting improvements in logistics, early deployment of personnel and election materials, and the peaceful conduct of the polls.
“The largest democracy in Africa must continue to strengthen its electoral process, and we remain committed to delivering elections that meet international standards,” he said.
During the meeting, the AYF proposed a partnership with INEC on grassroots voter education across northern Nigeria, focusing on voter mobilisation, civic education, anti-vote-buying campaigns and public awareness on the use of election technology.
The Forum also proposed establishing a post-election feedback mechanism through which its coordinators would provide reports on election logistics, staff conduct and technology performance to assist the Commission in improving future elections.
Amupitan welcomed the proposals and directed the Commission’s Voter Education and Publicity Department to begin discussions with the Forum on possible areas of collaboration.
The AYF said it would mobilise its members across northern Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory to promote peaceful participation in elections, discourage the spread of fake news, report electoral offences and encourage compliance with electoral laws in the build-up to the 2027 general election.
