The Coalition of Northern Youth Organisations has issued fresh demands to the newly appointed Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, urging him to deliver credible and transparent general elections in 2027.
The group said Amupitan’s appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu offers a chance to rebuild public trust and strengthen Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
Speaking on behalf of the coalition, Ambassador Muhammad Sa’ad Aboki said the youths across the North welcome the appointment and expect the new INEC boss to restore accountability and integrity to the electoral system.
“The Coalition of Northern Youth Organisations wishes to acknowledge the appointment of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission. This decision, we believe, reflects the need to enhance Nigeria’s electoral process and strengthen democratic institutions,” the statement read.
Aboki stressed that Amupitan must focus on restoring credibility and ensuring fairness in future elections. He said the 2027 polls will be a major test of his leadership and integrity.
“He must justify the trust placed in him by ensuring that the 2027 elections are conducted with fairness and transparency. This is necessary to strengthen citizens’ participation and trust in the process,” Aboki added.
The Northern coalition also expressed readiness to collaborate with INEC and other relevant stakeholders to promote voter education and youth inclusion in the electoral process.
According to the group, credible elections depend on both the integrity of INEC and the active participation of citizens. They pledged to mobilise young Nigerians across all regions to get involved in the democratic process.
“Our coalition is prepared to engage young people across the country to ensure their voices are heard and their votes count,” the statement further noted.
The group also called for reforms that would improve transparency and eliminate doubts about the credibility of future elections. However, they expressed confidence that Professor Amupitan’s experience could help build a stronger and more trusted electoral system.
