The Arewa Youth Forum has pledged its support for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and expressed willingness to partner with the electoral body on voter education and civic engagement initiatives ahead of future elections….
The Arewa Youth Forum has pledged its support for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and expressed willingness to partner with the electoral body on voter education and civic engagement initiatives 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, at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
According to a statement posted on INEC’s official X handle, on Thursday, June 26, the forum commended the commission for its efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral process and improve election management across the country.
Speaking during the visit, Gujungu expressed confidence in the commission and praised its resilience in conducting elections, particularly in the areas of logistics, election administration and the deployment of technology.
He also assured the commission that the forum would continue to promote public trust in the electoral process and oppose attempts to undermine confidence in the institution through misinformation and politically motivated narratives.
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The group further proposed a partnership with INEC in the areas of voter education and civic mobilisation, offering to deploy its network of youths across Northern Nigeria to support grassroots sensitisation campaigns.
According to the statement, the initiative is aimed at encouraging informed participation in elections, promoting peaceful conduct and discouraging electoral malpractice.
The forum also suggested the creation of a structured feedback system through which observations from polling units and other election stakeholders could be documented and shared with the commission to support improvements in election administration.
Responding, INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, welcomed the delegation and commended the forum for its commitment to democratic governance.
He emphasised the importance of youth participation and civic organisations in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.
The INEC chairman also briefed the delegation on preparations for upcoming elections, including efforts to strengthen institutional capacity, improve operational efficiency and enhance stakeholder engagement.
Amupitan, however, raised concerns over the growing spread of misinformation and the misuse of emerging technologies to circulate false narratives capable of eroding public confidence in the electoral process.
He urged Nigerians to rely on verified information from official commission platforms and other credible sources.
While welcoming the forum’s proposal, Amupitan directed the commission’s Voter Education and Publicity Department to engage with the group to explore possible areas of collaboration.
“The active involvement of young people and civic organisations remains critical to the growth and sustainability of the country’s democracy,” he said.
He also reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to conducting “credible, transparent and inclusive elections” in line with its constitutional mandate.
