The chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan, has expressed concern over the growing spread of misinformation and the misuse of emerging technologies to circulate false narratives capable of undermining public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process.
Amupitan raised the concern on Thursday while receiving a delegation of the Arewa Youth Forum (AYF), led by its Board of Trustees Chairman, Gambo Ibrahim Gujungu, during a courtesy visit to the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
The INEC chairman urged Nigerians to rely on verified information from the Commission’s official communication channels and other credible sources, warning that fake narratives pose a serious threat to electoral integrity and democratic stability.
He stressed that the active participation of young people and civic organisations remains critical to strengthening and sustaining democracy in the country.
Amupitan also commended the Arewa Youth Forum for its commitment to democratic governance and used the opportunity to brief the delegation on the Commission’s preparations for forthcoming elections.
According to him, INEC is implementing measures aimed at strengthening institutional capacity, improving operational efficiency and deepening stakeholder engagement ahead of future electoral exercises.
Welcoming the Forum’s proposal for collaboration, the INEC chairman directed the Commission’s Voter Education and Publicity Department to engage with the group to explore partnership opportunities that would enhance voter education, particularly at the grassroots level.
He reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to delivering credible, transparent and inclusive elections in line with its constitutional mandate.
“I thank the delegation for its constructive engagement and reaffirm the Commission’s commitment to conducting credible, transparent and inclusive elections in line with its constitutional mandate,” Amupitan said.
Earlier, Gujungu pledged the Forum’s support for INEC and commended the Commission’s efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral process.
He expressed the organisation’s readiness to collaborate with INEC on voter education and civic mobilisation ahead of future elections, while reaffirming confidence in the Commission and its role in deepening democracy.
The AYF leader also acknowledged improvements in election management, logistics and the deployment of technology to enhance electoral credibility.
According to him, the Forum would continue to advocate objective assessment of INEC’s activities and discourage attempts to erode public confidence in the electoral process through misinformation and politically motivated narratives.
“The Forum will continue to advocate objective assessment of the Commission’s activities and discourage attempts to undermine public confidence in the nation’s electoral institution through misinformation and politically motivated narratives,” Gujungu stated.
The Forum further proposed a strategic partnership with INEC in the areas of voter education and civic engagement, offering to mobilise its extensive youth network across Northern Nigeria to support grassroots sensitisation programmes.
The initiative, according to the group, would encourage informed participation in elections, promote peaceful conduct during polls and discourage electoral malpractice.
The delegation also proposed the establishment of a structured feedback mechanism that would enable election observers, polling unit stakeholders and community groups to document and share observations with the Commission to support continuous improvements in election administration.
The visit concluded with both parties reaffirming their commitment to promoting voter awareness, civic participation and public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.
