FCT Polls: Ethnic Youth Leaders Hail INEC Chair Amupitan Over Peaceful, Credible Exercise

Socio-cultural groups operating under the aegis of Ethnic Youth Leaders have commended the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, describing the just-concluded Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as successful, credible, and peaceful.

In a joint statement signed by the group’s Deputy Spokesperson, Mirabel Ashara, and released on Wednesday, the youth leaders said the conduct of the FCT polls demonstrated INEC’s institutional capacity and readiness to deliver hitch-free elections nationwide.

The group noted that the transparent and orderly process witnessed during the exercise reflected what it described as the Commission’s preparedness and commitment to upholding democratic standards.

According to the statement, “the transparent and orderly process witnessed during the FCT polls is a clear demonstration of INEC’s readiness, institutional capacity, and commitment to delivering hitch-free elections across Nigeria.”

The youth leaders particularly commended the Commission’s logistics coordination and adherence to electoral guidelines, which they said contributed significantly to the smooth conduct of the elections.

They also applauded the professionalism of electoral officials and security agencies deployed for the exercise, noting that their conduct ensured that voters were able to exercise their civic rights without intimidation or disruption.

“The peaceful and credible outcome of the FCT elections has strengthened public confidence in the electoral process. It is evident that the INEC leadership has shown both the competence and preparedness required to conduct free, fair, and transparent elections,” the statement read.

The coalition further urged political parties, candidates, and other stakeholders to emulate what it described as the spirit of sportsmanship displayed during the polls, advising them to prioritise national interest above partisan considerations.

It added that sustained collaboration among stakeholders remains critical to deepening Nigeria’s democratic culture.

The group reaffirmed its commitment to mobilising young people across ethnic lines to participate actively and responsibly in future elections, while also calling on INEC to sustain the momentum and continuous improvements recorded during the FCT Area Council polls.

The youth leaders concluded by expressing optimism that with consistent institutional reforms and stakeholder cooperation, Nigeria’s electoral process would continue to gain credibility and public trust.