Take Lead In Promoting Credible Elections- Aku To Youths

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC has urged Nigerian youths to take the lead in promoting peaceful and credible elections as a means to accelerate national development.

The Deputy Director, Department of Voter Education at the Commission, Magdalene Aku, made the call at the Youth Summit on Credible Elections and Participation, organized by Plan International and its partners in Abuja.

Aku, who encouraged young people to engage actively in the electoral process with a positive mindset, also advised them to shun electoral malpractices and uphold democratic values, emphasizing that elections cannot succeed without the active participation of youths.

“INEC has been engaging youths to get involved in the electoral processes including establishment of more polling units to reduce the crowd that discourages people from active participation, and continuous voter education to increase people’s confidence in the nation’s electoral processes.”

Also speaking, Adolescent Wellbeing and Youth Leadership Intern at Plan International, Faith Oritogun who highlighted the indispensable role of young people in Nigeria’s electoral process, noted that successful elections and meaningful decision-making are not possible without their involvement.

According to Oritogun “Aside from them being used, even as victims as well, they are always at the detrimental end of issues that arise as a result of chaos from electoral violence. We are trying to raise awareness around credible elections and peaceful elections. So that young people know the power that they carry. Especially as it pertains to elections”.

The theme of the summit is Strengthening Youth Engagement in Nigeria’s Democracy.

Florence Adewale, Edited By Grace Namiji