The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has disclosed that 9,324,349 young Nigerians were newly registered during the 2026 Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercises. This was made known by Chairman of the Commission, Prof Joash Amupitan, SAN, at the investiture ceremony of newly appointed Youth Ambassadors in Abuja on Wednesday, 30 September 2026. He was represented by National Commissioner, Prof Rhoda Gumus.
The figure underscores the growing importance of youth participation in Nigeria's electoral process. Amupitan stressed that the active involvement of young Nigerians is vital to strengthening democracy. He said the appointment of Youth Ambassadors is a deliberate step to strengthen the connection between the Commission and the youth population. The ambassadors are expected to use their influence to raise voter awareness, promote peaceful participation, counter misinformation, and uphold integrity and impartiality.
The nine ambassadors, drawn from the movie, music, and comedy industries, are Amal Umar, Christopher Yohanna (Uncle CY), Alex Kool Ibeh (Mr Kool), Mike Godson, Emmanuel Ikubese, Seun Ajayi, Ibrahim Tukur Bello (Disability Is Not Inability), Sunday Agbaji, and Thompson Ukeki. They were presented with certificates, plaques, and ambassadorial mufflers, and administered the Oath of Commitment.
In his welcome address, National Commissioner and Chairman, Outreach and Partnership Committee, Prof Kunle Ajayi, called on the ambassadors to speak against electoral violence and manipulation and promote accurate information. He emphasized the importance of their role in promoting voter education and responsible digital engagement.
Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, represented by Deputy Director, Network and Social Mobilisation, Mrs Lami Bature, urged the ambassadors to promote electoral awareness and peaceful participation and join the fight against misinformation and electoral violence. Director-General, National Orientation Agency, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, represented by Director, Civic Values and Democracy Education, Dr Olukemi Afolayan, also urged the ambassadors to promote civic responsibility and electoral integrity.
The Youth Ambassadors Initiative, established in 2014, connects the Commission with young Nigerians through credible youth figures to promote voter education and responsible digital engagement. Deputy Director, Inclusivity, Haj Habiba Abdulkareem Jatto, said the initiative would strengthen partnership with influential young Nigerians and promote greater participation.
In a related development, INEC presented a Certificate of Return to the winner of the Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency bye-election held on 19 September 2026. The Certificate was presented to the Member-elect, Hon Kallamu MaiJama’a, by the National Commissioner supervising Gombe State, Rear Adm Jamila Abubakar Sadiq Malafa (rtd), at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja. MaiJama’a commended the Commission, describing the exercise as free, fair, and credible.
Key points
- 9,324,349 young Nigerians registered as new voters in 2026.
- INEC unveils nine Youth Ambassadors to deepen youth engagement ahead of 2027 general election.
- The Youth Ambassadors Initiative connects INEC with young Nigerians to promote voter education and responsible digital engagement.
