Amupitan Deserves Commendation, not Condemnation’ — Arewa Youth Forum… Pledges Support for 2027 Elections
Oru Leonard
ABUJA, June 25, 2026 — The Arewa Youth Forum (AYF) has commended the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, for what it described as significant improvements in the conduct of elections across the country, while pledging its support and collaboration ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The endorsement came during a courtesy visit by a high-powered AYF delegation to the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, led by the Chairman of the Forum’s Board of Trustees, Alhaji Gambo Ibrahim Gujungu.
Speaking during the visit, Gujungu praised INEC’s leadership under Prof. Amupitan, citing improvements in logistics, timely deployment of election materials and adherence to electoral guidelines despite operational challenges.
He particularly applauded the Commission’s use of technology, especially the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), describing it as a major step toward curbing electoral fraud and strengthening the credibility of election outcomes.
According to him, the adoption of technology-driven processes represents one of the most important milestones in Nigeria’s democratic development.
The AYF leader also criticized what he described as politically motivated attacks against the electoral body, arguing that misinformation campaigns rather than genuine operational shortcomings were responsible for attempts to undermine public confidence in the Commission.
“An independent electoral body must be judged on facts and evidence, not propaganda,” Gujungu said, adding that the Forum rejects efforts to politicise the Commission’s activities.
Responding, Prof. Amupitan thanked the group for its support and objective assessment of the Commission’s performance, noting that positive feedback was uncommon in the current political climate.
He said the visit would further motivate INEC as it intensifies preparations for the 2027 elections.
The INEC chairman disclosed that 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 urged Nigerians to support the Commission’s efforts to deliver credible elections capable of serving as a benchmark for democratic processes across Africa.
“Nigeria has the largest democracy in Africa. For it to be well with Africa, Nigeria must get it right,” he said.
Amupitan pointed to the recent Ekiti State governorship election as evidence of the Commission’s improving standards, citing reports of early arrival of officials, peaceful conduct of the exercise and efficient deployment of election materials.
During the meeting, the AYF proposed a partnership with INEC on grassroots voter education campaigns across northern Nigeria, focusing on voter mobilisation, anti-vote-buying advocacy and voter education on electoral technology.
The Forum also suggested the creation of a post-election feedback mechanism through which its field coordinators would provide polling-unit-level assessments on logistics, staff conduct and technology performance after elections.
Prof. Amupitan welcomed the proposals and directed the Commission’s Voter Education and Publicity Department to establish formal engagement with the Forum to strengthen voter outreach efforts.
The AYF, which said it represents between two and three million youths across northern Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory, pledged to mobilise its members to obey electoral laws, reject misinformation, report electoral offences and support efforts aimed at safeguarding the integrity of the 2027 electoral process.
