INEC Urges Nigerian Youths to Take Active Role in Strengthening Democracy

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has urged Nigerian youths to take a more active role in strengthening the country’s democracy beyond voting during elections.

The Commission said young people must participate in democratic governance by staying informed, understanding electoral processes and demanding accountability through lawful means.

The National Commissioner and Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, made the call during the grand finale of the Commission’s Campus Debate Competition at the University of Abuja.

The competition, themed “Nigeria’s Electoral Process and Democracy,” featured winning debate teams from the University of Ibadan, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Bayero University, Kano, and the University of Jos.

The event provided an opportunity for students to discuss Nigeria’s electoral system, democratic governance and the country’s political future.

Haruna described the engagement with universities as a deliberate effort by the Commission, noting that higher institutions play an important role in promoting intellectual development, civic responsibility and democratic awareness.

He noted that Nigerians between the ages of 18 and 34 constitute the largest segment of the country’s population, making their involvement in elections and democratic governance important to national stability and development.

The INEC commissioner stressed that young people’s participation should not be limited to casting their ballots on election day but should also involve constructive public discussions and holding leaders accountable through lawful democratic channels.