INEC urges Nigerian youths to defend democracy and participate in the 2027 elections as University of Jos wins its national campus debate competition
INEC Urges Youths to Defend Democracy Ahead of 2027 Elections
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has challenged Nigerian youths to take a more active role in protecting democracy, strengthening electoral institutions and promoting credible elections as preparations gradually gather momentum for the 2027 general elections.
The commission made the call at the grand finale of its Campus Debate Competition, hosted by the University of Abuja, where students from four Nigerian universities gathered to debate the future of Nigeria’s electoral process and democratic governance.
The competition, themed “Nigeria’s Electoral Process and Democracy,” featured debate teams from the University of Ibadan, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Bayero University, Kano, and the University of Jos, following preliminary competitions organised across the participating institutions.
The grand finale provided a platform for students to demonstrate their understanding of electoral democracy, examine challenges confronting Nigeria’s political system and exchange ideas on strengthening democratic governance.
Speaking at the event, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), Mr Mohammed Haruna, said the commission deliberately initiated the university engagement to promote intellectual development, civic responsibility and democratic consciousness among young Nigerians.
Haruna 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 critical to national stability and development.
He stressed that meaningful youth participation in democracy must extend beyond voting on election day to include staying informed about national issues, understanding electoral processes, participating constructively in public discussions and demanding accountability through lawful democratic channels.
He also encouraged the competing students to approach the debate with confidence, fairness and sportsmanship, emphasising that the knowledge, experience and exposure gained from the competition were just as important as winning the ultimate prize.
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja, Professor Hakeem Babatunde Fawehinmi, described young Nigerians as indispensable stakeholders in sustaining democracy and driving national development.
Fawehinmi observed that although young people represent a significant proportion of Nigeria’s electorate, voter registration alone does not guarantee meaningful participation in the democratic process.
He therefore urged students to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), participate actively in elections and reject electoral malpractice, including ballot box snatching, manipulation and other practices capable of undermining the credibility of the country’s electoral system.
The vice-chancellor further charged young Nigerians to hold elected officials accountable and contribute positively to the country’s democratic development.
He commended INEC for introducing the debate competition, describing universities as strategic partners in advancing civic education, democratic awareness and national development.
Fawehinmi also expressed the institution’s pride in hosting the grand finale, reaffirming its commitment to combining academic excellence with national unity. The university is now known as Yakubu Gowon University.
In his vote of thanks, INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, urged the participating students and other young Nigerians to take the lessons learnt from the competition beyond their university campuses and become advocates of democratic values within their communities and social networks.
Amupitan expressed appreciation to the participating universities, students, members of the academic community, adjudicators, university coordinators and other partners whose contributions ensured the successful organisation of the competition.
The University of Jos emerged winner of the competition, while Bayero University, Kano, finished as first runner-up and the University of Ibadan secured the second runner-up position.
The INEC chairman presented awards and prizes to the winning teams alongside the University of Abuja Vice-Chancellor, Professor Fawehinmi.
The grand finale also featured a special quiz competition for students of the host institution, adding another dimension to the intellectual engagement and enthusiasm surrounding the event.
With Nigeria approaching the 2027 general elections, INEC reiterated its commitment to expanding voter education, strengthening public enlightenment and deepening democratic participation through sustained engagement with universities and other relevant institutions.
