The Arewa Youth Forum (AYF) has called on Nigerian youths, particularly those in Northern Nigeria, to vote with conscience in the 2027 general elections, citing unprecedented economic hardship and worsening insecurity under the current regime.
The call was contained in a communique issued at the end of an emergency expanded meeting of its National Executive and State Chairmen held at the historic Arewa House, Kaduna on Saturday, 19th September, 2026.
The Forum said the meeting was convened to review the state of the nation and chart a course for youth participation ahead of the 2027 polls.
According to the communique signed by its National Director of Publicity, Bello Abdulhamid, the Forum observed that insecurity has worsened across the North-East, North-West, North-Central and other parts of the country.
“Our economic life has been crippled, communities displaced, and innocent lives lost. Farming, which is our pride, has become a death trap and our schools are no longer safe. We cannot build a future in fear,” the Forum stated.
On the economy, the AYF said Nigerian youths are facing hardship never witnessed in recent history, blaming the current administration’s economic reforms for high inflation, cost of living and mass unemployment.
“Millions of talented youths have been pushed into poverty, frustration and forced Japa. The entrepreneurship spirit of the Arewa youth is being killed by harsh, anti-people policies,” it noted.
The youth body also lamented the state of power supply, saying electricity has become more expensive and less available despite promises, making it difficult for youths who run barbing salons, welding shops, cold rooms and ICT hubs to stay in business.
The Forum further said the nation’s education system requires total reform, while the healthcare sector is overstretched.
As part of its resolutions, the AYF charged youths not to allow themselves to be divided along tribal, religious or party lines, stressing that their common enemies are bad governance, poverty and insecurity.
It urged youths to get their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), resist vote-selling, and protect their votes from polling units to collation centres.
“Before you support any candidate in 2027, including those in the current regime, ask for their real plan for security, jobs and 24-hour electricity,” the communique added.
The Forum also called on youths to be peace ambassadors and reject violence, fake news and hate speech, saying Northern Nigeria has suffered enough bloodshed.
“2027 gives us a rare opportunity to correct the mistakes of the past and end the cycle of suffering,” the AYF declared.