The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has set up a National Election Mobilisation Committee to prepare for the 2027 general elections. NANS President, Comrade Babatunde Akinteye, announced the committee's formation, stating that it aims to facilitate the participation of at least 10 million Nigerian students in the polls. The committee will oversee sensitization, mobilization, and monitoring of student participation across the six geopolitical zones.
Akinteye will serve as the Director-General of the committee, while immediate-past NANS President, Comrade Olushola Oladoja, has been appointed National Coordinator. Other members of the national leadership include Deputy Director, NANS Senate President; National Deputy Coordinator, Comr. Gambo Abubakar; and National PRO, Comr. Charles Obina Ebube. The committee's advisory board consists of Comr. Agbabiaka Ahmed and Comr. Ibrahim G. Ibrahim Babalolo as Chairmen for the South and North, respectively.
The committee's primary responsibility is to coordinate student participation in the electoral process. According to Akinteye, students constitute a significant segment of the country's population and are directly affected by government policies and decisions. Therefore, NANS cannot afford to remain indifferent to the democratic process. The committee will work with all NANS structures, student unions, and stakeholders to achieve its objectives.
The zonal members of the committee have been appointed to represent various states across the country. For instance, in the Northwest zone, Ibrahim Amodu has been appointed as Stakeholder for Kaduna State, while Bilyaminu Thabit is the JCC Chairman. Similarly, in the South-South zone, Comr. Emomotimi Charles Saturday has been appointed as Chairman for Bayelsa State. The complete list of zonal members includes representatives from 36 states and the FCT.
Akinteye has directed that all political support groups and election-related organizations seeking to organize activities involving Nigerian students must liaise with the committee for coordination and monitoring. This move aims to ensure that student participation in the electoral process is structured and effective. The committee is expected to commence its activities immediately, with sensitization and mobilization efforts across campuses.
The NANS President expressed confidence in the committee members to deliver on their responsibilities. With over 40.1 million Nigerian students as members, NANS constitutes a significant voting bloc in the country. The student body aims to leverage this large membership to promote active participation in the democratic process. By engaging students in the electoral process, NANS hopes to promote a more inclusive and representative democracy.
The formation of the National Election Mobilisation Committee is a significant step towards promoting student participation in the 2027 general elections. With its comprehensive structure and clear objectives, the committee is poised to make a positive impact on the electoral process. As the 2027 polls approach, the committee's activities will be closely watched to assess its effectiveness in mobilizing Nigerian students.
Key points
- NANS sets up committee to mobilize 10 million students for 2027 elections
- Committee to coordinate sensitization, mobilization, and monitoring of student participation
- NANS aims to promote active participation of students in the democratic process
