The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has urged young women to reject vote buying, misinformation and electoral violence while participating actively in the 2027 general elections.
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, noting that their participation was essential to inclusive governance, national development and political stability.
REC explained that the workshop was designed to equip young female voters with the knowledge, confidence and civic responsibility needed to make informed decisions and participate peacefully in the electoral process.
Vote Buying: INEC Calls for Informed Voting Ahead of 2027 Elections
Nura urged eligible young women to make electoral choices based on facts, candidates’ records and policy proposals rather than financial inducements, political pressure or false information.
He also encouraged participants to educate their peers, discourage electoral violence and promote political tolerance within their communities.
According to him, credible elections require the collective responsibility of INEC, political parties, security agencies, civil society organisations, the media and the electorate.
The REC stressed that young women could contribute significantly to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy by rejecting practices capable of undermining the credibility of elections.
INEC Gender Director Urges Young Women to Participate in Politics
In her remarks, the Director of Gender and Inclusivity at INEC, Mrs. Lakunuya Bello Dorothy, urged young women to develop the confidence to participate in politics as voters, aspirants and candidates.
She encouraged eligible voters to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), verify their registration details and rely on credible sources for electoral information ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Dorothy identified intimidation, security concerns, misinformation, financial constraints, cultural stereotypes, gender-based violence and inadequate political support as major obstacles to women’s political participation.
She called on aspiring female leaders to seek mentorship, build support networks and improve their understanding of governance while remaining resilient in the face of challenges.
The INEC director emphasised that leadership should be determined by competence, integrity and commitment to public service rather than gender.
Workshop Targets Greater Female Participation in 2027 Elections
The awareness creation workshop is aimed at increasing young women’s understanding of their civic rights and responsibilities while encouraging their participation in election-day and post-election activities.
It also seeks to promote peaceful electoral conduct and inspire more young women to become involved in governance and democratic processes.
Data cited at the workshop indicated that young females account for 69.16 per cent of the youth category, despite persistent barriers to their participation as voters, candidates, election observers and administrators.
The figure underscores the importance of initiatives designed to strengthen women’s political engagement and address the challenges limiting their involvement in the electoral process.
INEC Tasks Participants on Voter Education
INEC expressed the expectation that participants would share the knowledge acquired during the workshop with their communities, peers and wider social networks.
The commission expects the young women to serve as advocates for informed voting, peaceful elections, political tolerance and inclusive democratic participation.
As preparations for the 2027 general elections continue, INEC’s message remains focused on encouraging eligible young women to exercise their voting rights responsibly, reject electoral malpractice and contribute to a credible and peaceful electoral process.
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