*Seeks consultation on next INEC chair
The Generation Z Movement – a youth-led coalition has said that whoever emerged chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) would shape public confidence ahead of the 2027 general election.
The tenure of the current INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu will end in November 2025.
Before the appointment of Yakubu’s successor, the coalition called for a townhall meeting with President Bola Tinubu to discuss the appointment of the next chairman of INEC.
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The group, driven by members of Generation Z, insisted that the process of appointing the INEC chairman, national commissioners, and resident electoral commissioners must no longer follow the usual political path.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Monday, the National Coordinator of the group, Joseph Agama, said the movement emerged from widespread youth distrust in Nigeria’s electoral system.
He said: “Many young people are disengaged because they don’t trust the process. And they don’t trust the process because they don’t trust the people leading INEC.”
He argued that restoring the credibility of INEC begins with leadership that is independent of partisan influence.
According to him, the current framework — which allows the president to appoint the commission’s leadership — risks politicising the electoral body.
“If those appointments are made by someone with political interests, the system becomes easy to manipulate.
“We want a process that involves traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations and the Nigerian public,” he added.
Agama said the Gen Z movement is mobilising young Nigerians nationwide to demand an INEC leadership that inspires confidence and guarantees free, fair, and credible elections.
Another member of the group, Virtue Utuk urged President Tinubu to “lead differently” by embracing a new model of inclusive governance.
She said: “We demand a multi-stakeholder approach — one that includes civil society, traditional and religious leaders, and the people themselves.
“Our constitution gives the president the power of appointment, but democracy demands a spirit of inclusion.
“Mr President, we are the present and the future of Nigeria’s democracy. We want to trust the ballot. We want a system worthy of our faith. Credible elections are the lifeblood of democracy.
“History will judge the choices made today. Give us reason to trust, and this generation will transform apathy into action.”
