By Atiku Sarki, Abuja
The Arewa Youth Forum (AYF), representing millions of young people across Northern Nigeria, has commended the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), pledging its full support and collaboration with the Commission ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The commendation was conveyed during a courtesy visit to INEC headquarters in Abuja on Thursday by a high-level AYF delegation led by the Chairman of its Board of Trustees, Alhaji Gambo Ibrahim Gujungu.
Speaking during the visit, Alhaji Gujungu praised the leadership of the Commission for what he described as significant improvements in the conduct of recent elections.
“We stand before you today to commend the hard work of your leadership and the successes recorded in the recent elections held across the country.
“The improvement in logistics, timely deployment of materials, and adherence to election guidelines despite enormous challenges are commendable,” he said.
He particularly applauded the Commission’s deployment of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), describing it as a major step toward eliminating electoral fraud and ensuring that election results reflect the true will of the electorate.
According to him, the Commission’s commitment to technology-driven elections represents one of the most significant milestones in Nigeria’s democratic development.
Alhaji Gujungu also condemned what he described as politically motivated attacks against the commission, stating that the Forum’s engagements across Northern Nigeria indicated that public confidence in INEC was being undermined by misinformation rather than genuine operational shortcomings.
“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, the INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, thanked the Forum for what he described as an uncommon display of objectivity, noting that positive assessments of the Commission’s work had become rare in the current media environment.
He said the Forum’s visit and public support would further strengthen the Commission’s resolve as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections.
Prof. Amupitan disclosed that the Presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for 15 January 2027, while Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will hold on 6 February 2027.
“Nigeria has the largest democracy in Africa. For it to be well with Africa, Nigeria must get it right. We are committed and determined to ensure that we deliver credible elections,” he said.
The INEC Chairman cited the recently concluded Ekiti State Governorship Election as evidence of the Commission’s improving standards, noting that observers commended the early arrival of election officials, the peaceful atmosphere and the efficient deployment of election materials.
He added that the Commission intends to build on that success in subsequent elections.
As part of the visit, the AYF proposed two areas of collaboration with INEC: a grassroots voter education campaign across Northern Nigeria in partnership with the Commission’s Voter Education and Publicity Department, focusing on voter mobilisation, anti-vote-buying awareness and technology literacy; and a post-election feedback mechanism through which AYF field coordinators would provide polling unit-level reports on logistics, staff conduct and technology performance after elections.
Prof. Amupitan welcomed both proposals and directed the Director of Voter Education and Publicity to establish a formal liaison with the Forum to strengthen grassroots voter education and civic engagement.
The AYF, which says it represents between two and three million youths across Northern Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory, pledged to mobilise its members to obey electoral laws, reject fake news, report electoral offences and contribute to safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
