The United Nigeria Youth Forum (UNYF) has issued a compelling challenge to the newly appointed Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive electoral reforms that prioritize voter accessibility and transparency.
In a strongly worded statement released to the press, the prominent youth organization outlined critical areas requiring immediate attention from the electoral body's leadership. The forum stressed that Nigeria's democratic future depends on creating an inclusive system where every eligible citizen can participate without barriers.
Key Demands for Electoral Transformation
The UNYF presented a comprehensive list of expectations for the new INEC leadership:
- Enhanced Voter Accessibility: Implementing measures to ensure persons with disabilities, elderly citizens, and those in remote communities can exercise their voting rights without difficulty
- Transparent Processes: Establishing clear, accountable procedures that build public trust in electoral outcomes
- Youth Inclusion: Creating platforms for meaningful youth participation in electoral planning and execution
- Technology Integration: Leveraging digital solutions to improve voter registration and result transmission systems
A Call for National Renewal
The youth forum emphasized that this moment represents a critical opportunity to strengthen Nigeria's democratic institutions. "We stand at a crossroads where genuine electoral reforms can either make or break our nation's political future," the statement read.
UNYF National President, Dr. Abdulsalam Moh'd Kazeem, underscored the importance of this transition period: "The incoming INEC leadership has a historic mandate to restore confidence in our electoral system. We cannot afford another cycle of disputed elections and voter apathy."
Building on Previous Progress
While acknowledging improvements in recent electoral exercises, the forum highlighted that significant gaps remain in ensuring truly free, fair, and credible elections. The statement called for building upon existing frameworks while addressing persistent challenges that have undermined public confidence.
The youth group pledged to maintain constructive engagement with INEC while monitoring implementation of their recommendations, signaling a new era of citizen oversight in Nigeria's electoral process.
