Members of the Gen Z Coalition during a press conference in Abuja, urging President Tinubu to adopt an inclusive process in selecting the next INEC Chairman.
A coalition of Gen Z activists and student groups have called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to convene a public town hall to discuss the appointment process for the next Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The group is urging the Federal Government to ensure transparency, inclusivity, and accountability in appointing the next electoral chief as the tenure of the current INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, approaches its end in 2025.
Professor Yakubu, who first assumed office in 2015 and was reappointed in 2020, has overseen two electoral cycles. His successor, according to the activists, must embody independence, integrity, and innovation to rebuild public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system.
“We Want a System We Can Trust’
Team Lead of the coalition, Mr. Joseph Agama, said the campaign was driven by “disillusionment with past electoral processes” and a desire for credible leadership within INEC.
“We made it clear that Nigerian Gen Zs are not apathetic to the electoral process, we are simply tired of a system we cannot trust, our generation is bold, informed, and ready to shape Nigeria’s future. But credible elections must begin with a truly independent INEC.” Agama stated.
He added that the coalition had studied the Citizens’ Memorandum for Reform of the Electoral Legal Framework, which outlines 31 key recommendations to strengthen electoral credibility. “At the heart of these reforms is one truth, INEC must be truly independent and professional to inspire voters’ trust,” he added
‘Lead Differently, Mr. President’
Another member of the group, Ms. Virtue Utuk, urged President Tinubu to “lead differently” by adopting a multi-stakeholder approach in the appointment process.
“The appointment of the next INEC Chairman and Commissioners cannot remain business as usual, we demand an inclusive process involving traditional and religious institutions, civil society, and the Nigerian people themselves. As Gen Zs, we are calling for a historic Townhall Meeting with the President, a space where our voices can be heard directly.” Utuk stated.
She emphasised that the upcoming decision will shape the integrity of the 2027 general election, stressing that “credible elections are the lifeblood of democracy.”
Mobilising the Next Generation
Also speaking, Mr. Raphael Udie, a member of the coalition, revealed plans to mobilise Gen Zs nationwide to strengthen trust in the electoral system.
“We’re enlightening young Nigerians about why credible elections matter. When they see transparency in leadership appointments, it restores confidence and reduces voter apathy,” Udie maintained.
The Bigger Picture
The youth coalition’s call reflects a growing national demand for electoral reforms and greater inclusion of young voices in governance. With Nigeria’s next general election, less than two years away, civic engagement among Gen Zs could be a defining force in reshaping the country’s democratic future.
Reporting by Julian Adetinuyo
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