The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has urged young women to participate actively in the 2027 general elections, reject vote buying and misinformation, and promote peaceful electoral conduct.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Adamawa State, 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,” stressing that their participation was essential to inclusive governance, national development and political stability.
He said the workshop was designed to equip young women with “the knowledge, confidence and civic responsibility required for informed and peaceful participation in the electoral process.”
The REC urged eligible young women to make electoral choices based on facts, candidates’ records and policy proposals rather than financial inducements, pressure or misinformation.
He also encouraged participants to educate their peers, reject electoral violence and promote political tolerance.
Nura noted that “credible elections require the collective responsibility of INEC, political parties, security agencies, civil society, the media and the electorate.”
In her remarks, INEC’s Director of Gender and Inclusivity, Lakunuya Bello Dorothy, charged young women to build the confidence to participate in politics as voters, aspirants and candidates.
She encouraged eligible young women to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), verify their details and rely on credible electoral information when making decisions.
Dorothy identified intimidation, security concerns, misinformation, financial constraints, cultural stereotypes, gender-based violence and inadequate political support as major barriers to women’s participation in politics.
She urged aspiring female leaders to seek mentorship, build support networks, strengthen their knowledge of governance and remain resilient despite the challenges.
According to her, “leadership should be defined by competence, integrity and service rather than gender.”
The workshop also aims to increase young women’s awareness of their civic rights and responsibilities, encourage participation in election-day and post-election activities, and promote peaceful electoral conduct.
Data cited at the workshop indicated that young females account for 69.16 per cent of the youth category, despite continuing barriers to their participation as voters, candidates, observers and election administrators.
INEC expressed the expectation that participants would share the knowledge acquired with their communities and networks, becoming advocates for informed voting, peaceful elections and inclusive democratic participation ahead of the 2027 general elections.