The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of Nigeria has attributed the decline in youth voter registration ahead of the 2027 general elections to the ageing of individuals previously classified as youths during the 2023 general elections. INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, made this statement during the grand finale of the INEC Campus Debate at the University of Abuja. He noted that youths currently account for 29.79% of the voter register being prepared for the 2027 elections, a decrease from 39.65% in 2023.
According to Amupitan, the decline in youth voter registration is largely due to the progressive migration of individuals who were considered youths in 2023 into older age categories. He explained that this change in age demographics has resulted in a lower percentage of young people on the voter register. In 2023, the voter register contained 37,060,399 young people aged between 18 and 34, representing 39.65% of the 93.4 million registered voters.
The INEC chairman emphasized that the current voter register is still undergoing review through the claims and objections process. He also highlighted the commission's efforts to address voter apathy and improve young Nigerians' understanding of the electoral process, including the campus debate. The debate, held under the theme "Nigeria's Electoral Process and Democracy," featured universities from across the country, with the University of Jos emerging as the winner.
The campus debate was part of INEC's efforts to engage young people and promote their participation in the electoral process. Amupitan commended the quality of the presentations and noted that the judges took considerable time to calculate the scores to ensure an accurate result. He also joked that the outcome was so clear that none of the participating universities should consider challenging it in court.
Amupitan also highlighted INEC's recent electoral activities, including the conduct of four off-cycle elections since he assumed office. These elections include the Anambra governorship election, Federal Capital Territory area council elections, Ekiti governorship election, and Osun governorship election. He noted that the Anambra and Osun elections, which had previously been inconclusive, were concluded under his leadership.
The INEC chairman also touched on women's participation in politics, noting that while the commission has a gender and inclusivity department, Nigeria has yet to introduce legislation guaranteeing equal representation of women in political offices. Meanwhile, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja, Professor Hakeem Babatunde Fawehinmi, urged young Nigerians to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards, participate in elections, and hold elected leaders accountable.
The event concluded with a call to action for young Nigerians to engage with the electoral process and promote democratic values. Amupitan directed INEC's Director of Voter Education and Publicity to maintain contact with the finalists, expressing his willingness to offer them automatic employment if the law permitted. The commission's efforts aim to promote voter engagement and inclusivity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Key points
- Youth voter registration has dropped to 29.79% ahead of 2027 polls due to age migration.
- INEC is promoting voter engagement and inclusivity through campus debates and voter education.
- Nigeria has yet to introduce legislation guaranteeing equal representation of women in political offices.
