Arewa Youth Forum Pledges Support For  INEC, Seeks Partnership On Voter Education

The Arewa Youth Forum (AYF) on Thursday pledged its support for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), expressing readiness to collaborate with the electoral body on voter education and civic mobilisation ahead of future elections.

The commitment was made during a courtesy visit by a delegation of the Forum, led by its Board of Trustees Chairman, Alhaji Gambo Ibrahim Gujungu, to the Chairman of INEC, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

Speaking during the visit, Gujungu commended INEC’s efforts in strengthening Nigeria’s electoral process, noting improvements in election management, logistics and the deployment of technology to enhance electoral credibility.

He reaffirmed the Forum’s confidence in the Commission and pledged continued support towards promoting public trust in the country’s electoral system.

According to him, the Forum would advocate objective assessments of the Commission’s activities while discouraging misinformation and politically motivated narratives capable of undermining confidence in Nigeria’s electoral institutions.

The AYF also proposed a strategic partnership with INEC in the areas of voter education and civic engagement, offering to mobilise its extensive youth network across Northern Nigeria to support grassroots sensitisation programmes.

The group said such initiatives would encourage informed participation in elections, promote peaceful conduct and discourage electoral malpractice.

In addition, the delegation proposed the establishment of a structured feedback mechanism through which observations from polling units and other election stakeholders could be documented and shared with the Commission to aid continuous improvements in election administration.

Responding, INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, appreciated the visit and commended the Forum’s commitment to strengthening democratic governance in the country.

He noted that the active participation of young people and civic organisations remained vital to the growth and sustainability of Nigeria’s democracy.

Amupitan briefed the delegation on the Commission’s preparations for forthcoming elections, including efforts aimed at strengthening institutional capacity, improving operational efficiency and deepening engagement with stakeholders.

The INEC chairman also warned against the growing challenge of misinformation and the misuse of emerging technologies to spread false narratives capable of eroding public confidence in the electoral process.

He urged citizens to rely on verified information from official Commission channels and other credible sources.

While welcoming the Forum’s proposal for collaboration, Amupitan directed the Commission’s Voter Education and Publicity Department to engage with the group to explore areas of partnership, particularly in grassroots voter education initiatives.

He reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to conducting credible, transparent and inclusive elections in line with its constitutional mandate.

The meeting concluded with both parties expressing a commitment to work together to promote voter awareness, civic participation and public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.