The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that over 9.3 million young Nigerians registered as new voters during the 2026 Continuous Voter Registration exercise. This development is significant as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections. INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, disclosed that 9,324,349 young Nigerians completed fresh voter registration during the exercise.
According to Prof. Amupitan, the figure demonstrates the increasingly significant place of young people in Nigeria’s electoral process. He stated that this figure reinforces the critical role of active youth participation in shaping electoral outcomes and strengthening public confidence in the democratic process. Amupitan was represented by INEC National Commissioner, Prof. Rhoda Gumus, at an event organised by the commission in Abuja.
INEC said it is expanding efforts to ensure that young Nigerians receive credible electoral information and participate responsibly in the forthcoming elections. The commission urged young voters to reject misinformation and activities capable of undermining the electoral process. They were also encouraged to obtain accurate information before sharing election-related content.
As part of its initiative to promote voter education and peaceful participation, INEC unveiled nine Youth Ambassadors drawn from Nigeria’s entertainment and creative industries. The ambassadors include Amal Umar, Christopher Yohanna, Alex Kool Ibeh, Mike Godson, Emmanuel Ikubese, Seun Ajayi, Ibrahim Tukur Bello, Sunday Agbaji, and Thompson Ukeki.
National Commissioner and Chairman of INEC’s Outreach and Partnership Committee, Prof. Kunle Ajayi, warned that false election information could spread rapidly online and damage public confidence before corrections reach the same audience. He urged the ambassadors to adopt a simple rule: “verify before you amplify.”
The INEC announcement comes as preparations gather pace for the 2027 general elections, with the commission increasingly focusing on young Nigerians as a major segment of the electorate. This move aims to deepen engagement with young people and encourage their active participation in the electoral process.
With the 2027 general elections approaching, INEC’s efforts to engage young voters and promote credible electoral information are crucial in shaping the country’s democratic future. The commission’s focus on youth participation and voter education is expected to contribute to a more inclusive and transparent electoral process.
Key points
- Over 9.3 million young Nigerians registered as new voters during the 2026 Continuous Voter Registration exercise.
- INEC has unveiled nine Youth Ambassadors to promote voter education and peaceful participation.
- The commission is expanding efforts to ensure young Nigerians receive credible electoral information.
