The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has disclosed that 9,324,349 young Nigerians were newly registered as voters during the 2026 Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise. This information was shared by INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, during the investiture of newly appointed Youth Ambassadors in Abuja. The registration exercise saw a significant turnout of young Nigerians, demonstrating their growing importance to the country's electoral process.
The INEC Chairman, represented by National Commissioner Prof. Rhoda Gumus, emphasized that active youth participation would help shape electoral outcomes and strengthen public confidence in Nigeria's democratic system. He stated that the appointment of Youth Ambassadors was part of INEC's efforts to deepen its engagement with young Nigerians and encourage greater participation ahead of the 2027 general election. This move aims to promote voter awareness, peaceful participation, and responsible citizenship among young Nigerians.
The INEC Youth Ambassadors Initiative, established in 2014, connects the electoral commission with young Nigerians through credible, influential youth figures. The commission is strengthening the initiative to reach young and first-time voters through youth-friendly platforms while addressing misinformation, hate speech, and electoral violence. Nine returning and newly appointed ambassadors were drawn from the entertainment and advocacy sectors, including Amal Umar, Christopher Yohanna, and Emmanuel Ikubese.
The newly appointed ambassadors were urged to use their platforms to promote voter awareness, peaceful participation, and responsible citizenship while helping to counter electoral misinformation. They were also tasked with speaking out against electoral violence and manipulation. National Commissioner and Chairman of INEC's Outreach and Partnership Committee, Prof. Kunle Ajayi, warned young Nigerians against allowing themselves to be used for activities that could put their lives at risk or disrupt the electoral process.
The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, represented by Deputy Director of Network and Social Mobilisation, Mrs Lami Bature, called on the ambassadors to promote electoral awareness, peaceful participation, and responsible citizenship. The Director-General of the National Orientation Agency, Lanre Issa-Oniru, represented by the Director of Civic Values and Democracy Education, Dr Olukemi Afolayan, also urged the ambassadors to promote civic responsibility, electoral integrity, and peaceful participation ahead of the 2027 polls.
The INEC Chairman added that young people were more likely to engage with electoral information when credible, relatable voices within their communities and social networks delivered it. He emphasized the importance of the Youth Ambassadors in promoting the electoral commission's message and encouraging young Nigerians to participate in the electoral process. The ambassadors' role is crucial in shaping the electoral outcomes and promoting a peaceful and credible electoral process.
The 2026 CVR exercise and the appointment of Youth Ambassadors demonstrate INEC's commitment to engaging with young Nigerians and promoting their participation in the electoral process. The commission's efforts aim to strengthen public confidence in Nigeria's democratic system and ensure a peaceful and credible electoral process. The initiative is expected to have a positive impact on the 2027 general election.
Key points
- 9,324,349 young Nigerians were newly registered as voters during the 2026 Continuous Voter Registration exercise.
- INEC appointed nine new Youth Ambassadors to promote voter awareness, peaceful participation, and responsible citizenship among young Nigerians.
- The INEC Youth Ambassadors Initiative aims to connect the electoral commission with young Nigerians through credible, influential youth figures.
