Arewa Youths Consultative Forum backs Electoral Commission amid criticisms, advocates collaborative electoral reforms
By Ibrahim Umar,
Kanempress News,
30th, November,2024
One of the socio-political Organisations in Nigeria, the Arewa Youths Consultative Forum (AYCF) has condemned criticisms directed at the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, following the recent Edo State governorship election.
Arewa Consultative Youth Forum described the allegations as baseless and unfounded.
In a statement through its President-General, Yerima Shettima, the Arewa Youths Consultative Forum reaffirmed its commitment to a credible electoral process and expressed solidarity with INEC amidst what it termed “unsubstantiated allegations of malpractice.”
The forum acknowledged challenges during the election but argued that these did not amount to deliberate sabotage or systemic failure.
It rather said it attributed the issues to operational shortcomings, including logistical complexities and implementation difficulties.
“It’s crucial to differentiate between genuine technical difficulties and deliberate sabotage,” the Arewa Youths Consultative Forum stated.
“Attributing operational challenges to intentional misconduct undermines the efforts INEC has made to improve its processes,” it said.
The Arewa Youths Consultative Forum noted that criticisms centered around the alleged ineffective use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the Election Viewing Portal (IREV).
The Forum rejected claims of deliberate failure, emphasizing INEC’s historical strides in adopting technology to enhance electoral transparency.
“INEC’s commitment to improving electoral integrity is evident in its adoption of innovations like BVAS and IREV. While the commission faces resource constraints and political pressures, it has shown a willingness to learn from past mistakes and improve accountability,” Shettima stated.
The Forum urged skeptics to present credible evidence and avoid spreading unverified allegations, which it said erode public trust in INEC and undermine Nigeria’s democratic process.
“In a democratic society, the burden of proof lies with the accuser. All claims must undergo rigorous investigation and verification. Unsubstantiated allegations only deepen division and distrust,” the Forum stated.
Ahead of 2027 general elections, the Arewa Youths Consultative Forum advocated for collaborative efforts to strengthen the electoral system.
The Forum called on stakeholders, including political parties, civil society organizations, and the electorate, to work together with INEC.
“This collaboration requires key actions: increased financial and administrative autonomy for INEC, enhanced training for staff, and the establishment of transparent oversight mechanisms,” the forum said.
The Arewa Youths Consultative Forum reiterated its support for INEC and called for constructive criticism rooted in evidence.
It emphasized the importance of building institutions rather than tearing them down.
“Constructive dialogue, evidence-based criticism, and collaborative efforts are vital to improving Nigeria’s electoral process. Together, we can build a stronger, more credible system that reflects the will of the Nigerian people,” Shettima noted.
The Forum urged all stakeholders to foster transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s elections, ensuring that democracy continues to thrive.
