INEC URGES YOUNG WOMEN TO TAKE CENTRE STAGE IN 2027 ELECTIONS, REJECT VOTE BUYING

INEC URGES YOUNG WOMEN TO TAKE CENTRE STAGE IN 2027 ELECTIONS, REJECT VOTE BUYING

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has urged young women to participate actively in the #NigeriaDecides2027 Election, reject vote buying and misinformation, and promote peaceful electoral conduct.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Adamawa State, Alhaji Muhammad B. Nura, made the call on Monday, October 19, 2026, while declaring open the North-East Zonal Awareness Creation Workshop for Young Female Voters at Madugu Rockview Hotel, Yola.

Nura described young women as critical stakeholders in Nigeria’s democracy, stressing that their participation was essential to inclusive governance, national development and political stability. He said the workshop was designed to equip them with the knowledge, confidence and civic responsibility required for informed and peaceful participation in the electoral process.

He urged eligible young women to make electoral choices based on facts, candidates’ records and policy proposals, rather than inducements, pressure or false information. He also called on them to educate their peers, reject electoral violence and promote political tolerance, noting that credible elections require the collective responsibility of INEC, political parties, security agencies, civil society, the media and the electorate.

In her remarks, the Director of Gender and Inclusivity at INEC, Mrs. Lakunuya Bello Dorothy, charged young women to build the confidence to participate in politics as voters, aspirants and candidates.

She encouraged them to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), verify their details and rely on credible electoral information. She identified intimidation, security concerns, misinformation, financial constraints, cultural stereotypes, gender-based violence and inadequate political support as major barriers to women’s participation.

Mrs. Dorothy urged aspiring female leaders to seek mentorship, build support networks, strengthen their knowledge of governance and remain resilient, emphasising that leadership should be defined by competence, integrity and service rather than gender.

The workshop also seeks to increase young women’s awareness of their civic rights and responsibilities, encourage participation in election-day and post-election activities, promote peaceful electoral conduct and inspire greater involvement in governance.

Available data cited at the workshop indicated that young females account for 69.16 per cent of the youth category, despite continuing barriers to their participation as voters, candidates, observers and election administrators.

INEC expressed the expectation that participants would share the knowledge acquired with their communities and networks, becoming advocates for informed voting, peaceful elections and inclusive democratic participation ahead of the 2027 General Election.