Arewa Youths Back INEC On Constituency Delineation

The Arewa Youth Alliance for Progress and Development (AYAPD) has backed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over allegations surrounding the delineation of suppressed constituencies and creation of additional polling units in Benue, Kogi, Delta and Jigawa states.

The group said the commission acted in compliance with a Supreme Court directive arising from longstanding legal disputes over the affected constituencies.

In a statement signed by its President, Comrade Victor Duniya, on Monday, he described the allegations against INEC as baseless, arguing that the commission should not be criticised for implementing a legally binding judgment.

Duniya maintained that the electoral body was only carrying out its constitutional responsibilities and deserved commendation for respecting the rule of law and decisions of the courts.

He also defended INEC’s performance under its chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, saying the commission had conducted elections in several constituencies in which opposition parties also emerged victorious.

According to him, the elections were adjudged free, fair and credible by both domestic and international observers, while candidates accepted the outcomes in most cases.

Duniya said the development demonstrated the commission’s commitment to transparency and impartiality in discharging its responsibilities.

He accused some opposition elements of attempting to undermine the electoral body through what he described as unnecessary criticism, rather than engaging constructively with the electoral process.

Duniya urged political actors to focus on strengthening democratic institutions rather than making allegations that could erode public confidence in INEC ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He further pledged to mobilise youth support against what he described as attempts to blackmail or weaken the commission.