BY Oxford Reporters
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called on young women across Nigeria to take active roles in the 2027 general elections, 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 democratic process, noting that their participation was essential to inclusive governance, national development and political stability.
He said the workshop was designed to equip young female voters with the knowledge, confidence and civic responsibility needed to participate meaningfully and peacefully in the electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The REC urged eligible young women to make informed electoral choices based on facts, candidates’ track records and policy proposals rather than financial inducements, political pressure or false information.
He also encouraged participants to educate their peers, reject electoral violence and promote political tolerance, stressing that credible elections required the collective responsibility of INEC, political parties, security agencies, civil society organisations, the media and the electorate.
In her remarks, the Director of Gender and Inclusivity at INEC, Mrs. Lakunuya Bello Dorothy, challenged young women to develop the confidence to participate in politics as voters, aspirants and candidates.
She urged them to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), verify their registration details and rely on credible sources of electoral information to guide their decisions.
Dorothy identified intimidation, security concerns, misinformation, financial constraints, cultural stereotypes, gender-based violence and inadequate political support as some of the major obstacles limiting women’s participation in the electoral process.
She encouraged aspiring female leaders to seek mentorship, build strong support networks, improve their understanding of governance and remain resilient in pursuing their political ambitions.
According to her, leadership should be determined by competence, integrity and commitment to service rather than gender.
The workshop is also aimed at increasing young women’s awareness of their civic rights and responsibilities, encouraging their participation in election-day and post-election activities, and promoting peaceful conduct throughout the electoral process.
Data presented at the workshop indicated that young females account for 69.16 per cent of the youth category, highlighting their potential to influence electoral outcomes and democratic development despite the barriers they continue to face.
The commission expressed the expectation that participants would share the knowledge acquired with their communities and networks, serving as advocates for informed voting, peaceful elections and inclusive democratic participation.
INEC’s engagement with young female voters forms part of efforts to strengthen citizens’ participation and promote a credible, peaceful and inclusive electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
