The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has set a target of mobilising at least 10 million Nigerian students to participate in the 2027 general elections. This move is part of efforts to encourage informed and responsible participation among students in the electoral process. NANS, with a membership base of over 40.1 million students, views itself as a significant voting bloc in Nigeria. The association's National President, Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, signed a statement highlighting the importance of student involvement in the democratic process.
NANS has constituted a National Election Mobilisation Committee to coordinate voter sensitisation, mobilisation, and monitoring of students' participation in election-related activities across the country. The committee will be led by the NANS President as Director-General, with the NANS Senate President serving as Deputy Director. Other members include Olusola Oladoja as National Coordinator, Gambo Abubakar as National Deputy Coordinator, and Charles Obina Ebube as National Public Relations Officer. The committee has been decentralised across the six geopolitical zones, with representatives appointed in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The National Election Mobilisation Committee will commence immediate sensitisation, mobilisation, and monitoring of students across campuses and institutions. The committee has been directed to coordinate its activities with existing NANS structures, student unions, and other stakeholders in the various zones. NANS' central objective is to translate the large student population into active participation in the electoral process. The association aims to facilitate the participation of at least 10 million Nigerian students in the 2027 General Elections.
The 2027 general elections are scheduled to take place on February 20, 2027, for the presidential and National Assembly elections, and March 6, 2027, for the governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections. NANS believes that students, as major stakeholders in nation-building, cannot afford to remain indifferent to the democratic process. The association views students as a significant segment of the country's population, directly affected by government policies and decisions.
NANS has directed political support groups and election-related organisations seeking to engage students during the electoral period to liaise with the newly constituted committee. This will ensure proper coordination, notification, and monitoring of activities involving Nigerian students. The statement did not indicate that the committee would endorse or support any particular political party or candidate.
Afeez has charged members of the committee to approach their assignments with commitment and efficiency, expressing confidence in their ability to deliver on the mandate. The committee's advisory structure includes Agbabiaka Ahmed as Chairman of the Advisory Committee for the South, while Ibrahim G. Ibrahim Babalolo will chair the Northern Advisory Committee. The North-West, North-East, North-Central, South-West, South-South, and South-East zones have been covered with appointed representatives.
The mobilisation drive by NANS aims to promote informed and responsible participation rather than political apathy among students. The association believes that one of the most important ways citizens can contribute to the democratic process is through informed and active participation in elections. With this initiative, NANS seeks to encourage Nigerian students to participate actively and responsibly in the forthcoming 2027 General Elections.
Key points
- NANS targets 10 million students for 2027 elections
- Committee to coordinate voter sensitisation and mobilisation
- Students urged to participate actively and responsibly in elections
