The Chairman of Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has urged African youth to take an active role in promoting peaceful, free, and fair elections across the continent. Speaking at the Civil Service University in The Gambia on April 15, Prof. Yakubu highlighted the critical role young people play in ensuring the success of democracy in Africa.
Delivering a lecture on “Democracy and Peaceful Elections in West Africa,” Prof. Yakubu emphasized the indispensable role of youth in strengthening democratic processes, calling on them to uphold democratic values and reject electoral malpractices. He also encouraged them to remain law-abiding throughout election periods to ensure the credibility and success of the electoral process.
“The success of elections in Africa cannot be achieved without the active participation of the youth,” Yakubu stated. He underscored that young people are the backbone of election operations, often serving as temporary or ad hoc staff, a role that Election Management Bodies (EMBs) depend on. “Youth participation is indispensable in every aspect of the electoral process,” he stressed.
Yakubu further pointed out that young people represent the largest voting demographic in Africa, and play a crucial role in voter registration — a vital stage in the electoral cycle. “Approach voter registration with sincerity, patriotism, and responsibility to ensure a fair and credible process,” he advised.
In his address, the INEC Chairman made a passionate plea for the youth to be law-abiding citizens. “If you want peaceful elections, play your part for your country and for God. Obey the laws, and do what is right. That is how we ensure that every vote counts,” he said.
Yakubu also highlighted the significant role youth play as political party agents, cautioning against the dangers of spreading misinformation, which can incite violence and undermine public trust in the electoral process. He urged young people to be wary of fake news, especially during elections. “Do not be a part of the fake news cycle. If information is not verified, do not share it. As responsible citizens, we all have a duty to report the truth,” he emphasized.
Concluding his lecture, Yakubu encouraged young Africans not to lose faith in democracy. “This is the system we have chosen. It is ours to protect, improve, and strengthen. Every young African must play a role in nurturing and fortifying democratic institutions across the continent,” he urged.
Yakubu’s call to action serves as a timely reminder of the critical role youth play in shaping the future of democracy in Africa, urging them to safeguard the integrity of elections and ensure that democratic processes are upheld across the continent.
