The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has disclosed that 9,324,349 young Nigerians newly registered during the 2026 Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise. This figure underscores the growing importance of youth participation in Nigeria’s electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections. INEC Chairman, Prof Joash Amupitan, SAN, made this disclosure in Abuja at an event organised to strengthen the commission’s engagement with young Nigerians.
Amupitan, represented by National Commissioner, Prof Rhoda Gumus, emphasized that active youth participation is critical to strengthening democracy and public confidence in the electoral process. He stated that this figure reinforces the critical role of active youth participation in Nigeria’s electoral process, shaping electoral outcomes and strengthening public confidence in the democratic process.
The commission is taking steps to deepen its engagement with young Nigerians, ensuring that electoral information reaches them through credible and relatable channels. According to Amupitan, young people have an important role to play in shaping the country’s democratic future and should be encouraged to participate peacefully and responsibly in the electoral process.
Amupitan urged young Nigerians to obtain accurate electoral information, participate in elections, and reject activities capable of undermining the democratic process. He also called for greater efforts to counter electoral misinformation and urged stakeholders working with young people to promote integrity, impartiality, and responsible citizenship.
As part of its efforts to strengthen youth participation, INEC unveiled nine new and returning Youth Ambassadors at the Abuja event. The initiative aims to use credible and influential young Nigerians to promote voter education, peaceful participation, and responsible digital engagement ahead of the 2027 elections.
National Commissioner and Chairman of the Outreach and Partnership Committee (OPC), Prof Kunle Ajayi, cautioned young Nigerians against allowing themselves to be used for activities that could endanger their lives or disrupt the electoral process. Ajayi urged the ambassadors to promote accurate electoral information, particularly on social media, and verify information before amplifying it.
The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Emmanuel Olawande, and the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Oniru, also urged young Nigerians to promote peaceful participation, responsible citizenship, and electoral awareness. The nine ambassadors, drawn from the movie, music, and comedy industries, comprise returning ambassadors who have served the commission for over a decade and newly appointed members.
Key points
- INEC reports 9,324,349 young Nigerians registered as fresh voters during the 2026 Continuous Voter Registration exercise.
- The commission is taking steps to deepen its engagement with young Nigerians and ensure that electoral information reaches them through credible and relatable channels.
- INEC unveiled nine new and returning Youth Ambassadors to promote voter education, peaceful participation, and responsible digital engagement ahead of the 2027 elections.
