The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has encouraged young women to participate actively in the 2027 general elections, reject vote buying and misinformation, and promote peaceful electoral conduct.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Adamawa State, Alhaji Muhammad B. Nura, made the call on Monday, October 19, 2026, while declaring open the North-East Zonal Awareness Creation Workshop for Young Female Voters at Madugu Rockview Hotel, Yola.
Nura described young women as critical stakeholders in Nigeria’s democracy, stressing that their participation was essential to inclusive governance, national development and political stability.
He said the workshop was designed to equip young women with the knowledge, confidence and civic responsibility needed for informed and peaceful participation in the electoral process.
He urged eligible young women to make electoral choices based on facts, candidates’ records and policy proposals rather than inducements, pressure or false information.
The REC also encouraged participants to educate their peers, reject electoral violence and promote political tolerance, noting that credible elections require the collective responsibility of INEC, political parties, security agencies, civil society, the media and the electorate.
INEC Gender Director Highlights Barriers to Women’s Participation
In her remarks, the Director of Gender and Inclusivity at INEC, Mrs. Lakunuya Bello Dorothy, encouraged young women to build the confidence to participate in politics as voters, aspirants and candidates.
She advised them to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), verify their details and rely on credible electoral information ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Dorothy identified intimidation, security concerns, misinformation, financial constraints, cultural stereotypes, gender-based violence and inadequate political support as major barriers to women’s participation in the electoral process.
She also encouraged aspiring female leaders to seek mentorship, build support networks, strengthen their knowledge of governance and remain resilient.
According to her, leadership should be defined by competence, integrity and service rather than gender.
INEC Targets Greater Female Participation in 2027 Elections
The workshop is aimed at increasing young women’s awareness of their civic rights and responsibilities, encouraging their participation in election-day and post-election activities, promoting peaceful electoral conduct and inspiring greater involvement in governance.
Data cited at the workshop indicated that young females account for 69.16 per cent of the youth category, despite continuing barriers to their participation as voters, candidates, observers and election administrators.
INEC expressed the expectation that participants would share the knowledge acquired with their communities and networks, becoming advocates for informed voting, peaceful elections and inclusive democratic participation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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