Arewa Youth Forum Urges Northern Youths to Treat 2027 Vote as Critical

# What happened Forum (AYF) convened an emergency meeting of its national leadership and state heads at Arewa House in Kaduna to discuss Nigeria's state and to plan how young people should participate in the 2027 elections. The group made a public call for young Nigerians, especially in the North, to take the 2027 vote seriously.

# Why the forum acted now The AYF described two interlocking problems motivating the push for greater youth electoral engagement:

• Economic hardship: The group blamed government economic reforms for high inflation, rising prices, mass joblessness and higher, less reliable electricity. That has hurt small businesses run by young people—barbing shops, welding workshops, cold storage facilities and computer centers.

The forum also raised concerns about the education and health systems, saying both need major changes to meet the needs of young Nigerians.

# What the AYF wants young people to do The forum's appeal focused on concrete civic actions ahead of 2027:

• Register and collect voter cards (PVCs).

• Refuse to sell votes.

The AYF framed these actions as practical steps youth can take to influence leadership and public policy that affect security, livelihoods and public services.

# The forum's framing of unity AYF leaders urged that young people should not be divided by tribe, faith or political affiliation. They said poor leadership, poverty and insecurity affect everyone in the same way and that youth solidarity can make electoral participation more effective.

# How this fits into broader 2027 coverage The 2027 election cycle is already generating activity across Nigeria. Other groups and regions are mobilizing youth, political coalitions are forming, and stakeholders are discussing election credibility and participation. The AYF's statement is one of several calls aimed at increasing youth turnout and preventing manipulation ahead of the national vote.

# Bottom line Forum is pushing for a visible, organized youth presence in the 2027 elections, linking that push directly to immediate problems—security threats and economic strain—that the forum says are undermining daily life across the North. The group's recommended steps are procedural and civic: get voter cards, vote conscientiously, protect ballots and avoid divisive identity politics.