By| Goodluck E.Adubazi, Abuja
The Arewa Youth Forum (AYF), one of northern Nigeria’s largest youth advocacy groups, has thrown its weight behind the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, praising his leadership and the Commission’s performance in recent elections while pledging active support ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The endorsement came on Thursday during a courtesy visit by a high-powered AYF delegation to INEC headquarters in Abuja. The delegation, led by the Chairman of the Forum’s Board of Trustees, Alhaji Gambo Ibrahim Gujungu, commended what it described as significant improvements in electoral administration under Prof. Amupitan’s stewardship.
Addressing the INEC Chairman, Gujungu praised the Commission’s handling of recent elections, citing improvements in logistics, timely deployment of election materials, and adherence to established electoral guidelines despite operational challenges.
“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,” he said. “The improvement in logistics, timely deployment of materials, and adherence to election guidelines despite enormous challenges are commendable.”
The AYF leader also highlighted INEC’s deployment of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), describing it as a major milestone in Nigeria’s democratic evolution. According to him, the technology has strengthened electoral integrity by reducing opportunities for fraud and enhancing confidence in election outcomes.
Gujungu further condemned what he described as politically motivated attacks against the electoral body, arguing that public trust in the Commission was being undermined by misinformation campaigns rather than genuine shortcomings in election management.
“An independent electoral body must be judged on facts and evidence, not propaganda,” he stated. “AYF strongly rejects the politicisation of INEC, especially at this critical time in our national history.”
In his response, Prof. Amupitan expressed appreciation for the Forum’s support, describing the visit as a rare demonstration of objectivity in a highly charged political environment. He said the encouragement would further strengthen the Commission’s determination to deliver credible elections in 2027.
The INEC Chairman disclosed that the Presidential and National Assembly elections have been scheduled for January 15, 2027, while Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will take place on February 6, 2027. He called on Nigerians to support the Commission’s efforts to conduct elections that would stand as a benchmark for democratic practice across Africa.
“Nigeria has the largest democracy in Africa,” Amupitan said. “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 pointed to the recent Ekiti State Governorship Election as evidence of the Commission’s improving standards, noting that election observers reported early arrival of officials, efficient deployment of materials, and a peaceful voting atmosphere. He added that INEC intends to replicate and improve upon that model in future elections.
As part of the engagement, the AYF proposed a strategic partnership with the Commission in two key areas. The first is a grassroots voter education campaign across northern Nigeria aimed at promoting voter participation, discouraging vote-buying, and improving public understanding of election technology.
The second is the establishment of a post-election feedback mechanism through which AYF field coordinators would gather and submit polling-unit-level reports on logistics, staff performance, and technology deployment.
Prof. Amupitan welcomed the proposals and directed the Commission’s Voter Education and Publicity Department to begin formal engagement with the youth organisation to strengthen voter outreach efforts across the region.
The AYF, which claims a membership base of between two and three million youths across northern Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory, also pledged to mobilise its members to uphold electoral laws, reject misinformation, report electoral offenders, and contribute to safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process as preparations intensify for the 2027 polls.
The visit underscores growing collaboration between civil society stakeholders and the electoral commission as Nigeria gears up for what many observers consider a pivotal election cycle in the nation’s democratic journey.
