Banjul, The Gambia – April 15, 2025 — The Chairman of Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has called on African youths to take a leading role in promoting peaceful and credible elections across the continent.
Delivering a lecture titled “Democracy and Peaceful Elections in West Africa” at the Civil Service University in the Republic of The Gambia, Prof. Yakubu emphasized the critical role young people play in the democratic process. The event was attended by students from the Departments of International Affairs and Diplomacy as well as Peace and Conflict Studies.
“Young people form the backbone of election duty staff,” the INEC Chairman stated, noting that Election Management Bodies (EMBs) across Africa depend heavily on youth engagement, particularly as temporary and ad hoc staff during elections.
He stressed that beyond staffing, youths also constitute the largest segment of the voting population and are deeply involved in key pre-election activities such as voter registration. “It is a duty that must be undertaken with sincerity, patriotism, and a sense of responsibility,” he said.
Prof. Yakubu urged young Africans to embrace their role in the electoral process with integrity, reject electoral malpractice, and uphold democratic values. “If you want peaceful elections, play your part for God and country. Do the right thing. Obey the laws and regulations. That’s how we make every vote count,” he charged.
Addressing their role as political party agents, he warned against misrepresentation and the dissemination of false information, which, he said, could incite violence and erode public trust in electoral outcomes.
Turning to the influence of digital media, the INEC Chairman cautioned against the spread of misinformation during elections. “Don’t be among the fake news merchants. If it’s not verified, don’t share it. As citizen reporters, you have a duty to report elections truthfully and responsibly,” he said.
Prof. Yakubu concluded with a message of hope and responsibility, urging African youths not to lose faith in democracy. “This is the system we have chosen. It is ours to nurture, defend, and improve. Every young African must play a role in deepening and strengthening democratic institutions.”
