Arewa Youth Group Backs INEC Over Constituency Delineation In 4 States

The Arewa Youth Alliance for Progress and Development (AYAPD) has thrown its weight behind the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over allegations surrounding the delineation of suppressed constituencies and the creation of additional polling units in Benue, Kogi, Delta and Jigawa states.

The group said the commission acted in compliance with a Supreme Court directive arising from longstanding legal disputes over the affected constituencies, insisting that its actions were guided by the rule of law.

In a statement issued on Monday and signed by its President, Comrade Victor Duniya, AYAPD described the allegations against INEC as baseless, arguing that the electoral body should not be criticised for implementing a legally binding court judgment.

Duniya maintained that INEC was only discharging its constitutional responsibilities and deserved commendation for respecting judicial decisions rather than yielding to political pressure.

He also defended the commission’s performance under its Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, citing elections conducted in several constituencies where opposition candidates reportedly emerged victorious.

According to him, the elections were adjudged free, fair and credible by domestic and international observers, while candidates accepted the outcomes in most cases.

The AYAPD president said the development demonstrated INEC’s commitment to transparency and impartiality, urging political stakeholders to support efforts to strengthen democratic institutions.

He, however, accused some opposition elements of attempting to undermine the electoral body through what he described as unnecessary criticism instead of engaging constructively with the electoral process.

Duniya urged political actors to refrain from making allegations capable of eroding public confidence in INEC ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He also pledged to mobilise youth support against what he described as attempts to blackmail or weaken the commission, stressing the need to protect the independence of electoral institutions.