The Arewa Youth Forum has urged Nigerian youths, particularly those in the North, to make their choices based on conscience and the records of candidates in the 2027 general elections, amid concerns over insecurity and economic hardship.
The group made the call in a communiqué issued after an emergency expanded meeting of its National Executive and state chairmen held at Arewa House, Kaduna, on Saturday, September 19, 2026.
The meeting, according to the forum, was convened to assess the country’s current situation and discuss the role of youths in the 2027 elections. The communiqué was signed by the National Director of Publicity, Bello Abdulhamid.
The forum expressed concern over insecurity across the North-East, North-West and North-Central regions, saying the situation had affected communities, farming activities and access to education.
It also criticised the prevailing economic conditions, attributing rising living costs, unemployment and other difficulties faced by young Nigerians to the economic policies of the current administration.
The youth body further raised concerns about electricity supply, saying high energy costs and inadequate supply were placing additional pressure on small businesses operated by young Nigerians, including barbing shops, welding businesses, cold rooms and ICT centres.
On education and healthcare, the forum called for major reforms, arguing that the two sectors were facing challenges that required urgent attention.
The AYF urged youths to avoid being divided along ethnic, religious or political lines, saying issues such as insecurity, poverty and governance should remain central to their assessment of political candidates.
It also encouraged eligible youths to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards, reject vote-buying and remain vigilant throughout the voting and collation processes.
The forum further appealed to youths to promote peaceful participation in the 2027 elections and shun violence, hate speech and misinformation, saying the region could not afford another cycle of bloodshed.
The AYF said youths should demand clear and measurable plans from candidates on security, employment, electricity and other issues affecting their communities before deciding whom to support in the 2027 elections.
