African Youth Called to Lead Peaceful Elections Across the Continent

INEC Chairman stresses the power of the younger generation

During a packed session at The Gambia's Civil Service University, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, the head of Nigeria's Independent National Electoral Commission, told a room of students that the future of elections on the continent hinges on their shoulders. Speaking to a crowd of International Affairs, Diplomacy and Peace & Conflict Studies majors, he painted a vivid picture: if the next generation steps up, elections can be more transparent, calmer, and trusted.

"Young people must be at the forefront of peaceful electoral engagement," Yakubu said, highlighting that youths now make up the bulk of both registered voters and the temporary staff that keep polling stations running. He argued that without their energy and honesty, even the best‑designed electoral frameworks can stumble.

The biggest threat: misinformation and careless reporting

One of the most striking parts of Yakubu's address was his warning about the "merchant" culture of fake news. He reminded the audience that many African elections have been derailed by rumors spread on WhatsApp, Facebook, and Twitter, turning peaceful rallies into heated confrontations.

"If it's not verified, don't share it," he urged, calling on students to act as citizen journalists who verify facts before posting. The chairman stressed that during crucial phases—like voter registration or result collation—any unverified claim can spark panic and undermine confidence.

He also appealed directly to those studying African youth engagement, asking them to become ambassadors of truth in their communities, campuses, and online circles.

Beyond the tech angle, Yakubu spoke about the moral duty that comes with voting. He said that participating in elections isn't just a right; it's a civic ritual that demands honesty, patience, and respect for opponents. By showing up at registration centres, helping tally votes, or simply encouraging friends to vote, young people can set a standard that older generations will feel pressured to follow.

Yakubu's visit to The Gambia is part of a wider regional push to strengthen democratic institutions across West Africa. Recent elections in neighboring countries have shown how quickly confidence can erode when youth are sidelined or when misinformation spreads unchecked. By positioning youths at the centre of the solution, the INEC hopes to inspire similar outreach programmes in Senegal, Sierra Leone, and beyond.

In a final, upbeat note, the chairman reminded the audience that democracy is a living system—one that needs constant care. "We must all nurture it, defend it, and improve it," he said, adding that each young African has a role to play in deepening democratic values, whether by volunteering at a polling station, conducting voter education workshops, or simply refusing to share unverified stories.