By Ibrahim Hassan-Wuyo

KADUNA — The Arewa Youth Assembly (AYA) has commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and President Bola Tinubu for what it described as the successful conduct of the 2026 bye-elections and the Ekiti State governorship election.

The group said the outcome of the polls had strengthened public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process and boosted hopes for credible elections in 2027.

In a statement issued in Kaduna and signed by its Speaker, Mohammed Salihu Danlami, the Assembly praised INEC and its chairman, Professor Josh Amupitan, for overseeing elections it described as peaceful, transparent, free and credible.

According to the group, the conduct of the elections demonstrated continued improvement in Nigeria’s electoral system and reassured citizens that their votes would count in future polls.

“The seamless conduct of these elections, despite the usual tension associated with off-cycle and legislative polls, demonstrates that INEC under Professor Amupitan is steadily perfecting our electoral process. The outcome reaffirms our hope that Nigerians will get the leaders they genuinely vote for in 2027,” the statement said.

The Assembly also applauded INEC for appealing a recent Federal High Court judgment that reportedly ordered the deregistration of some political parties.

It described the commission’s decision to challenge the ruling as evidence of its neutrality, independence and commitment to democratic principles.

According to Danlami, INEC’s decision to align with the affected parties in contesting the judgment showed that the commission was not acting in favour of any political interest.

“By joining the political parties that were ordered to be deregistered in appealing the ruling, INEC has sent an unmistakable message that it has no favourite party and is not an appendage of any political group. This is the kind of impartial umpire our democracy needs,” he said.

The group further argued that the conduct of the elections had justified President Tinubu’s appointment of Professor Amupitan as INEC chairman, adding that concerns previously expressed about his leadership had been dispelled.

AYA described President Tinubu as a committed democrat whose actions reflect respect for democratic governance and the sanctity of the ballot box.

“President Tinubu is a foremost democrat who understands the price of liberty and the sanctity of the ballot. He will never take any action that will endanger Nigeria’s democracy. The appointment of Professor Amupitan and the subsequent conduct of free elections is a testament to the President’s commitment to bequeathing a legacy of electoral integrity,” the statement added.

The Assembly urged Nigerians to continue supporting INEC as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections.

It also encouraged eligible citizens, particularly young people, to participate in the Continuous Voter Registration exercise and obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).

According to the group, active participation in the electoral process remains one of the most effective ways for citizens to influence governance and shape the country’s future.

“We urge all citizens, especially the youth who do not yet have voter cards, to take advantage of the Continuous Voter Registration exercise. With Professor Amupitan at the helm, we are assured that every vote will count. Your PVC remains your power to shape the future,” the statement said.