••• Commends Commission on Electoral Reforms
The Nigerian Youth Congress (NYC) on Tuesday led a high-level advocacy visit to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Kwara State Headquarters in Ilorin, as part of its nationwide campaign to drive youth mobilization, civic education, and election integrity ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
Led by the Project Secretary of the Nigerian Youth Congress, Comr. Adebayo Kayode Joshua, the delegation was received by the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Kwara State, Mallam Ahmed Yusha’u Garki, alongside key commission officials.
Speaking during the visit, Comr. Adebayo Kayode Joshua commended INEC for its persistent efforts in strengthening Nigeria’s electoral democracy since the return to civil rule in 1999.
He emphasized that the commission’s progressive adoption of technology, commitment to transparency, and continuous voter education have played a pivotal role in boosting public confidence in the ballot.
Reaffirming the readiness of the NYC to partner with the electoral umpire, Adebayo stated that the visit underscores the congress’s determination to champion advocacy for free, fair, and credible elections across all levels. He urged young Nigerians across the country to wake up to their civic responsibilities and channel their energy, creativity, and resourcefulness into transforming the nation, stressing that the future of Nigeria rests in the hands of an informed and active youth population.
Kayode added that the NYC remains fully committed to collaborating with INEC on voter sensitization drives while actively countering voter apathy, vote-buying, and electoral violence across the 36 states of the Federation.
In his response, the Kwara State REC, Mallam Ahmed Yusha’u Garki, commended the Nigerian Youth Congress for its proactive engagement and acknowledged the decisive role young citizens play in shaping the country’s democratic trajectory.
Mallam Garki admonished young people to shun electoral violence in all its forms, warning that violent acts erode public trust, compromise election integrity, and disenfranchise eligible voters. He called on youth organizations to familiarize themselves with the official INEC electoral timetable and lead grassroots campaigns that encourage eligible voters to collect their Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs) at designated registration centers across the state.
Reaffirming that the ballot remains far more powerful than violence, the REC urged the youth to act as peace ambassadors and mobilization drivers as the nation moves toward the 2027 general elections.