The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that 9,324,349 young Nigerians were newly registered during the 2026 Continuous Voter Registration exercises. This was revealed by INEC Chairman, Prof Joash Amupitan, at the investiture of nine new Youth Ambassadors in Abuja. The registration aims to deepen youth participation ahead of the 2027 general election. Amupitan emphasized the importance of young Nigerians' participation in the electoral process, stating that it helps shape electoral outcomes and strengthens public confidence in the democratic process.
The INEC chairman highlighted that the appointment of the ambassadors is a deliberate step towards strengthening the connection between the commission and the youth population. The ambassadors, drawn from the movie, music, and comedy industries, are expected to promote voter awareness, peaceful and responsible participation, and counter electoral misinformation. They will also encourage young Nigerians to participate actively in the democratic process. Amupitan charged the ambassadors to uphold integrity, impartiality, and responsible citizenship in their duties.
The National Commissioner and Chairman, Outreach and Partnership Committee, Prof Kunle Ajayi, urged the ambassadors to speak out against electoral violence and manipulation. He also encouraged young Nigerians to protect their future and reject attempts to use them for activities that could endanger their lives or disrupt the electoral process. Ajayi emphasized the importance of verifying information before amplifying it, especially in the age of rapid information dissemination.
The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, represented by the Deputy Director, Network and Social Mobilisation Department, Mrs Lami Bature, urged the ambassadors to promote electoral awareness, peaceful participation, and responsible citizenship. She also called on them to support efforts against misinformation, disinformation, and electoral violence while upholding integrity, impartiality, and respect for the rule of law.
The Director-General of the National Orientation Agency, Mallam Lanre Issa-Oniru, represented by the Director, Civic Values and Democracy Education, Dr Olukemi Afolayan, urged the ambassadors to use their influence to promote civic responsibility, electoral integrity, and peaceful participation ahead of the 2027 election. The INEC Youth Ambassadors Initiative was established in 2014 to connect the commission with young Nigerians through credible and influential youth figures.
The initiative aims to promote voter education, informed and peaceful participation, and responsible digital engagement. The ambassadors will work to counter misinformation, hate speech, and electoral violence, especially among young and first-time voters. The investiture featured the presentation of certificates, plaques, and ambassadorial mufflers, as well as the administration of the Oath of Commitment to the nine ambassadors.
The nine ambassadors include returning ambassadors who have served the commission for more than a decade and newly appointed members. They are Amal Umar, Christopher Yohanna, Alex Kool Ibeh, Mike Godson, Emmanuel Ikubese, Seun Ajayi, Ibrahim Tukur Bello, Sunday Agbaji, and Ambassador Thompson Ukeki. Meanwhile, INEC has presented the Certificate of Return to Hon. Kallamu MaiJama'a, winner of the Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency bye-election held on September 19, 2026.
Key points
- 9.3m young Nigerians registered in 2026 Continuous Voter Registration exercises
- INEC appoints nine Youth Ambassadors to promote voter awareness and participation
- Ambassadors to counter electoral misinformation and promote civic responsibility
