The Arewa Youth Forum (AYF) has commended the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, for his leadership of the Commission and the marked improvement in the conduct of recent elections, pledging the Forum’s full support and collaboration ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The commendation was made during a courtesy visit to INEC headquarters in Abuja on Thursday by a high level AYF delegation led by the Chairman of the Forum’s Board of Trustees (BOT), Alhaji Gambo Ibrahim Gujungu.
Speaking during the visit, Gujungu praised the Commission’s growing record of transparent, peaceful and credible elections under Prof. Amupitan’s leadership.
“We stand before you today to commend the hard work of your leadership and the successes recorded in the recent elections held across the country,” he said.
“The improvement in logistics, timely deployment of materials, and adherence to election guidelines despite enormous challenges are commendable.”
The AYF BOT Chairman particularly applauded INEC’s deployment of technology, including the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), describing it as a major step toward eliminating electoral fraud and ensuring that election results reflect the true will of Nigerian voters.
According to him, the Commission’s commitment to technology driven elections represents one of the most significant advancements in Nigeria’s democratic process.
Gujungu also condemned what he described as politically motivated attacks against the electoral body, noting that AYF’s engagements across northern Nigeria revealed that public confidence in INEC was being undermined by misinformation rather than genuine operational shortcomings.
“An independent electoral body must be judged on facts and evidence, not propaganda. AYF strongly rejects the politicisation of INEC, especially at this critical time in our national history,” he stated.
Responding, Prof. Amupitan thanked the Forum for what he described as an uncommon display of objectivity, noting that positive assessments of the Commission’s work were rare in the current media environment.
He said the visit and public support from AYF would strengthen the Commission’s resolve as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections.
The INEC Chairman disclosed that the Presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for January 15, 2027, while Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will hold on February 6, 2027.
He called on Nigerians to support the Commission’s efforts to deliver elections that would serve as a model for democratic practice across Africa.
“Nigeria has the largest democracy in Africa. For it to be well with Africa, Nigeria must get it right. And we are committed and determined to ensure that we face that election head on,” Amupitan said.
The INEC Chairman cited the recently concluded Ekiti State Governorship Election as evidence of the Commission’s improving standards, noting that observers commended the early arrival of election officials at polling units, the peaceful atmosphere, and the efficient deployment of election materials.
He added that the Commission intends to build on the Ekiti experience in future elections, including the forthcoming Osun State Governorship Election.
A major outcome of the meeting was the agreement to establish a formal liaison between INEC and AYF to strengthen grassroots voter education campaigns across northern Nigeria. The initiative will focus on voter mobilisation, anti-vote-buying advocacy, and technology literacy among voters.
The meeting also agreed on the creation of a post-election feedback mechanism through which AYF field coordinators will collect and submit polling unit level reports on logistics, staff conduct, and technology performance to INEC after elections.
