The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has launched a new initiative to engage young Nigerians in the electoral process. The commission has inaugurated a cohort of Youth Ambassadors to promote informed, peaceful, and responsible participation in the 2027 General Election. This initiative aims to strengthen engagement with young Nigerians and provide them with accurate information about the electoral process.
The Chairman of the Outreach and Partnership Committee, Prof. Kunle Ajayi, emphasized that the appointment of the youth ambassadors is not just a title, but a mandate to promote electoral participation, peaceful conduct, and access to accurate information. Representing the INEC Chairman, National Commissioner Prof. Rhoda Gumus stated that the large youth population can only be meaningful when matched by informed, organized, and responsible participation.
Prof. Gumus charged the ambassadors with listening to the reasons for youth disengagement, including lack of information, distrust, and misunderstanding of electoral procedures. She tasked them with addressing misinformation and disinformation, particularly on social media, by verifying information before amplifying it. The ambassadors are also expected to promote constructive engagement with parties and candidates on issues such as employment, education, and security.
The Director of the Gender and Inclusivity Department, Mrs Lakunuya Dorothy, provided an overview of the initiative, its purpose, and selection process. The Deputy Director of Inclusivity, Mrs Habiba Jatto, highlighted the objectives of the initiative. A goodwill message on behalf of the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, was delivered by Mrs Lami Bature, who urged the ambassadors to inspire their peers and promote voter registration.
The INEC ambassadors are expected to use various platforms, including social media, community engagement, entertainment, sports, and entrepreneurship, to make electoral information accessible. They are also encouraged to serve as a two-way bridge between INEC and young Nigerians. The ambassadors' responsibility extends beyond election day, as they can become potential election officials, observers, and responsible citizens.
Prof. Gumus warned the ambassadors against manipulation for electoral violence, emphasizing that political competition should not require youths to fight or destroy one another. She urged them to promote tolerance and reject vote buying. The Director of Civic Values and Democracy Education, Mrs Olufemi Afolayan, represented the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) and emphasized civic education and responsible citizenship.
The INEC initiative aims to engage young Nigerians in the electoral process and promote peaceful participation. The youth ambassadors will play a crucial role in providing accurate information and promoting constructive engagement. Key to the initiative's success will be the ambassadors' ability to inspire their peers and promote voter registration and education.
Key points
- INEC inaugurates youth ambassadors to promote peaceful participation in the 2027 General Election.
- Ambassadors tasked with addressing misinformation and promoting constructive engagement with parties and candidates.
- Initiative aims to engage young Nigerians and provide them with accurate information about the electoral process.
