MBYF Passes Confidence Vote On INEC Chair Amupitan Over FCT Area Council Polls

The Middle Belt Youths Forum (MBYF) has passed a vote of confidence on 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 statement released after an emergency stakeholders’ meeting and signed by Comrade Meliga Godwin, the group commended the INEC leadership for what it called professionalism, transparency and strict adherence to electoral guidelines throughout the exercise.

The youths said the conduct of the polls across the six Area Councils of the FCT reflected a renewed commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democratic process.

According to the statement, “We wish to commend the Chairman of INEC, Prof. Joash Amupitan, and his team for demonstrating professionalism, transparency, and adherence to electoral guidelines throughout the exercise.”

The Forum noted that the seamless coordination of logistics, prompt deployment of personnel and timely release of results underscored the Commission’s preparedness and capacity to deliver credible elections.

“The seamless coordination of logistics, prompt deployment of personnel, and timely release of results reflected a renewed commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democratic process,” the statement read.

The group further observed that the peaceful atmosphere that characterised the polls across the six Area Councils was a testament to effective planning and collaboration between INEC, security agencies and other critical stakeholders.

“The peaceful conduct of the elections across the six Area Councils of the FCT is a clear testament to effective planning and synergy between INEC, security agencies, and other key stakeholders,” the youths stated.

While expressing satisfaction with the outcome of the exercise, the Forum urged Prof. Amupitan and his team not to relent in consolidating on the gains recorded.

“Credible elections remain the bedrock of democratic governance and public trust. We therefore encourage the Commission not to rest on its oars but to continue improving on the standards already set,” the statement added.

The Middle Belt Youths Forum also congratulated residents of the FCT for their orderly conduct before, during and after the elections, describing their participation as a reflection of democratic maturity.

At the same time, the group called on political actors to embrace issue-based campaigns and respect the will of the electorate.

“We urge all political actors to continue to promote issue-based engagements and to respect the mandate freely given by the people. Democracy thrives when the will of the electorate is upheld,” the statement concluded.