INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu Urges African Youths to Champion Peaceful and Credible Elections

 

The Chairman of Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, has called on African youths to take an active role in promoting peaceful and credible elections throughout the continent.

Speaking at a lecture at the Civil Service University in The Gambia, Yakubu addressed students from International Affairs and Diplomacy, as well as Peace and Conflict Studies, on the theme “Democracy and Peaceful Elections in West Africa.”

He emphasized the crucial role of young people in electoral processes, urging them to participate with integrity and uphold democratic values. Yakubu highlighted that youth involvement is essential for successful elections, noting that they serve as the main workforce for Election Management Bodies, especially as temporary or ad hoc staff during elections.

“Young people form the backbone of election duty staff,” Yakubu stated, stressing their key contributions to tasks like voter registration, which are vital to the electoral cycle. He also cautioned against electoral malpractice, encouraging youths to act responsibly and patriotically. “If you want peaceful elections, play your part for God and country. Do the right thing. Obey the laws and regulations. That’s how we make every vote count,” he advised.

Yakubu warned young political party agents against spreading misinformation that could incite violence or undermine public trust in elections. He underscored the importance of accurate reporting, especially in the digital era, and warned against the dangers of fake news. “Don’t be among the fake news merchants. If it’s not verified, don’t share it,” he said.

Concluding his address, Yakubu encouraged African youths to stay engaged in the democratic process and not lose faith in its potential, describing democracy as a system that must be nurtured and protected, especially by the younger generation. After the lecture, he was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation by Mrs. Fatou Barry, Deputy Director General of the Civil Service University, Banjul, The Gambia.