By Gabriel Ameh
The Arewa Youth Forum (AYF) has pledged its support for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as preparations begin for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, while proposing a partnership to deepen voter education and strengthen the credibility of the electoral process.
The commitment was made during a meeting between the leadership of the youth organisation and officials of the electoral commission, where both sides discussed ways to encourage peaceful, transparent and inclusive elections.
Speaking during the engagement, an INEC official, Amupitan, reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democratic process.
“Democracy must continue to flourish across the continent. Nigeria must continue to improve its electoral process, and we are determined to meet that responsibility,” he said.
Amupitan pointed to the recently concluded Ekiti State governorship election as evidence of the commission’s ongoing efforts to improve election management. According to him, reports from election observers highlighted the early deployment of electoral officials, timely distribution of voting materials and peaceful conduct across polling units.
He assured stakeholders that INEC would build on those achievements as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum.
As part of its contributions, the Arewa Youth Forum proposed a strategic partnership with INEC to implement grassroots voter education campaigns across northern Nigeria.
The proposed initiative would focus on voter mobilisation, civic education, public awareness of electoral laws, technology literacy and sustained campaigns against vote-buying.
The forum also recommended the creation of a post-election feedback mechanism that would enable its coordinators to submit reports on election logistics, polling unit operations, staff conduct and the performance of election technology after every poll.
According to the organisation, such feedback would help the commission identify operational gaps and improve future elections.
Responding to the proposals, Amupitan welcomed the initiative and directed INEC’s Voter Education and Publicity Department to begin formal engagement with the youth organisation to explore areas of collaboration.
The development highlights the increasing role of young people in promoting credible elections and strengthening democratic institutions in Nigeria.
With millions of first-time and young voters expected to participate in the 2027 general elections, stakeholders believe voter education, civic responsibility and public confidence in electoral institutions will play a decisive role in voter turnout and the overall credibility of the polls.
The Arewa Youth Forum, which says it represents between two and three million youths across northern Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory, pledged to encourage its members to obey electoral laws, reject misinformation, report electoral offences and promote peaceful participation during elections.
Political observers maintain that the success of the 2027 general elections will depend not only on technology and logistics but also on the collective commitment of institutions, political actors and citizens to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic process.
