Why Youth Matter in African Electoral Processes
Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, the head of Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission, addressed a packed hall of International Affairs and Peace Studies students at Civil Service University on April 15, 2025. In his speech, titled "Democracy and Peaceful Elections in West Africa," he drove home a simple truth: without the energy, numbers, and integrity of young people, Africa’s elections cannot function smoothly.
Young Africans make up the lion’s share of registered voters—over 60% in many countries—and they also fill the bulk of temporary election‑staff positions that election management bodies (EMBs) rely on during vote‑day. Yakubu pointed out that this dual presence means youths are not just spectators; they are the backbone of the whole electoral machinery, from setting up polling stations to counting ballots.
He stressed that any weakness in this chain—whether a careless registration error or a biased poll‑worker—can snowball into larger disputes. The chairman cited recent contests in Ghana and Kenya where irregularities in voter rolls triggered prolonged legal battles, underscoring the high stakes of every single registration act.
Calling Out Misinformation and Promoting Civic Responsibility
Beyond the logistical side, Yakubu turned his attention to the digital arena where many youths spend their time. He warned that the spread of unverified rumors on social media has become a new weapon against credible elections. "Don’t be a merchant of fake news," he said bluntly. "If you can’t verify a story, don’t share it."
He urged students to see themselves as citizen‑journalists tasked with reporting election developments truthfully. This means checking sources, cross‑referencing official INEC statements, and resisting the urge to amplify sensational but false claims. In a continent where a single misleading tweet can spark unrest, responsible online behavior is as vital as marking a ballot correctly.
Yakubu also highlighted the importance of patriotism and accountability during voter registration—one of the most sensitive phases of any election cycle. He urged young registrars to approach the task with "sincerity, patriotism, and a sense of responsibility," noting that errors at this stage can disenfranchise entire communities.
To illustrate the positive impact of youth engagement, the chairman referenced a pilot program in Sierra Leone where university volunteers helped digitise voter databases, cutting registration errors by 30% in just one year. The success, he argued, showcases how youthful innovation can directly improve electoral integrity.
Wrapping up, Prof. Yakubu delivered a hopeful yet firm message: democracy is a system chosen by the people, and it needs constant nurturing. Every young African, he said, has a role in deepening democratic institutions—whether by volunteering at polling stations, speaking out against fake news, or simply exercising the right to vote responsibly. His visit to The Gambia forms part of a broader West African push to lock in peaceful, credible elections for the next generation.
peaceful elections are not a distant ideal; they are a daily practice that needs the fresh perspective, energy, and vigilance of Africa’s youth.