The Arewa Youth Forum, AYF, has pledged to work closely with the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to deepen voter education, combat misinformation and strengthen grassroots participation in the electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The commitment was made during a courtesy visit by a high-powered AYF delegation to INEC headquarters in Abuja, where the group also commended the commission’s leadership under Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, for what it described as notable improvements in election management and transparency.
Leading the delegation, Chairman of the AYF Board of Trustees, Alhaji Gambo Ibrahim Gujungu, praised the commission’s handling of recent elections, citing better logistics, prompt deployment of election materials and compliance with electoral guidelines.
“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,” Gujungu said.
He particularly lauded INEC’s use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, BVAS, describing the technology as a major milestone in reducing electoral malpractice and enhancing the credibility of election outcomes.
The AYF leader also condemned what he termed politically motivated attacks on the electoral body, arguing that public perception of INEC was increasingly being shaped by misinformation rather than objective assessment of its performance.
“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 stated.
As part of efforts to support the electoral process, the forum proposed a strategic partnership with INEC in two key areas.
The first is a grassroots voter education campaign across northern Nigeria focusing on voter mobilisation, technology awareness and anti-vote-buying advocacy.
The second is the establishment of a post-election feedback mechanism through which AYF coordinators would provide reports on polling unit operations, logistics and technology performance.
Responding, INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan welcomed the proposals and described the forum’s endorsement as a rare demonstration of objectivity.
He said the commission remained focused on delivering credible elections and noted that support from civic organisations and youth groups would be crucial to achieving that objective.
According to Amupitan, the Presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for January 15, 2027, while governorship and State House of Assembly elections will hold on February 6, 2027.
“Nigeria has the largest democracy in Africa. For it to be well with Africa, Nigeria must get it right. And we are committed and determined to ensure that we face that election head on,” he said.
The INEC chairman cited the recent Ekiti State governorship election as evidence of the commission’s improving operational standards, noting that observers reported timely arrival of officials, efficient deployment of materials and a peaceful voting environment.
He directed the commission’s Voter Education and Publicity Department to establish a formal liaison with the Arewa Youth Forum to facilitate collaboration and expand voter enlightenment efforts across the northern region.
The forum, which said it represents between two and three million young people across northern Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory, pledged to mobilise its members to obey electoral laws, reject fake news, report criminal activities and contribute to safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process in the run-up to the 2027 polls.
