INEC Urges Young Women to Reject Vote Buying, Misinformation Ahead of 2027 Elections
INEC Urges Young Women to Reject Vote Buying, Misinformation Ahead of 2027 Elections
INEC Urges Young Women to Reject Vote Buying, Misinformation Ahead of 2027 Elections
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called on young women to participate actively in the 2027 General Election, 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 important stakeholders in Nigeria’s democracy, noting that their participation was vital to inclusive governance, national development and political stability.
He explained that the workshop was designed to equip participants with the knowledge, confidence and civic responsibility needed to make informed decisions and engage peacefully in the electoral process.
The REC urged eligible young women to base their electoral choices on facts, candidates’ records and policy proposals rather than financial inducements, pressure or false information. He also encouraged them to educate their peers, reject electoral violence and promote political tolerance.
He stressed 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, urged young women to develop the confidence to participate in politics as voters, aspirants and candidates.
She encouraged them to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), verify their details and rely on credible sources of electoral information.
Dorothy identified intimidation, security concerns, misinformation, financial constraints, cultural stereotypes, gender-based violence and inadequate political support as major barriers to women’s participation.
She advised aspiring female leaders to seek mentorship, build support networks, strengthen their knowledge of governance and remain resilient. She emphasised that leadership should be defined by competence, integrity and service rather than gender.
The workshop aims to increase young women’s awareness of their civic rights and responsibilities, encourage participation in election-day and post-election activities, promote peaceful electoral conduct and inspire greater involvement in governance.
Data cited at the workshop indicated that young females account for 69.16 per cent of the youth category, despite persistent barriers to their participation as voters, candidates, observers and election administrators.
INEC expressed the expectation that participants would share the knowledge gained with their communities and networks, helping to promote informed voting, peaceful elections and inclusive democratic participation ahead of the 2027 General Election.
INEC Urges Young Women to Reject Vote Buying, Misinformation Ahead of 2027 Elections
