“Young people critical to Nigeria’s democracy, growth” – INEC Chairman

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, has emphasised that the active participation of young Nigerians in politics and governance is vital to the country’s democratic development.

Amupitan made the remark on Thursday, June 25, 2026, when he received members of the Arewa Youth Forum (AYF) on a courtesy visit to his office.

Welcoming the delegation, the INEC Chairman commended the Forum for its commitment to strengthening democratic governance.

He stressed that the involvement of young people and civic organisations remains essential to the growth and sustainability of Nigeria’s democracy.

The Arewa Youth Forum, led by its Board of Trustees Chairman, Alhaji Gambo Ibrahim Gujungu, pledged full support for INEC and commended the Commission’s efforts in improving the nation’s electoral process.

Alhaji Gujungu expressed confidence in INEC and reaffirmed the Forum’s determination to promote public trust in the electoral system.

He acknowledged improvements in election management, logistics, and the deployment of technology, while praising the Commission’s resilience in conducting elections.

The AYF leader also assured INEC of the Forum’s resolve to advocate for objective assessment of the Commission’s activities and to counter misinformation and politically motivated campaigns aimed at undermining confidence in the electoral body.

The delegation proposed a strategic partnership with INEC in the areas of voter education and civic engagement.

The Forum offered to leverage its extensive youth network across Northern Nigeria to support grassroots sensitisation programmes aimed at encouraging informed participation, promoting peaceful elections, and discouraging electoral malpractice.

In addition, the AYF suggested the establishment of a structured feedback mechanism that would enable polling unit observers and other stakeholders to document and share observations with the Commission to aid continuous improvement in election administration.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​