The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that 9,324,349 young Nigerians were newly registered during the 2026 Continuous Voter Registration (CVR). This was revealed by INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, during the investiture of nine new and returning INEC Youth Ambassadors in Abuja. The event aimed to deepen youth participation ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The number of newly registered young Nigerians underscores the growing importance of youth participation in the electoral process. According to Professor Amupitan, the active involvement of young Nigerians is crucial for strengthening democracy and building public confidence in the electoral process. He emphasized that the appointment of Youth Ambassadors was aimed at strengthening INEC's connection with Nigerian youths and expanding their participation in elections.
The INEC Chairman, represented by National Commissioner Professor Rhoda Gumus, urged the ambassadors to promote voter awareness, peaceful and responsible participation, and accurate electoral information. He also tasked them with using their influence to encourage young Nigerians to participate in the electoral process. The ambassadors were drawn from various sectors, including the movie, music, comedy, and advocacy sectors.
National Commissioner and Chairman Outreach and Partnership Committee, Professor Kunle Ajayi, called on the ambassadors to speak against electoral violence and manipulation. He urged Nigerian youths to reject attempts to use them for activities that could endanger their lives or disrupt the electoral process. Professor Ajayi also stressed the need for responsible online engagement.
The Director, Gender and Inclusivity Department of INEC, Mrs Lakunuya Bello, explained that the Youth Ambassadors Initiative was established in 2014 to connect the Commission with young Nigerians through credible and influential youth figures. The initiative promotes voter education, informed participation, and responsible digital engagement among young people.
The nine ambassadors appointed include Amal Umar, Christopher Yohanna (Uncle CY), Alex Kool Ibeh (Mr Kool), Mike Godson, Emmanuel Ikubese, Seun Ajayi, Ibrahim Tukur Bello (Disability Is Not Inability), Sunday Agbaji, and Thompson Ukeki. INEC said the initiative would continue to serve as an important channel for reaching young and first-time voters as preparations intensify for the 2027 General Election.
INEC's effort to engage young Nigerians is crucial for the success of the 2027 General Election. The Commission's focus on youth participation and voter education aims to promote a more inclusive and credible electoral process. With the appointment of the new Youth Ambassadors, INEC is expected to strengthen its connection with young Nigerians and encourage their active participation in the electoral process.
Key points
- 9,324,349 young Nigerians were newly registered during the 2026 Continuous Voter Registration.
- INEC appointed nine new and returning Youth Ambassadors to promote voter awareness and participation.
- The Youth Ambassadors Initiative was established in 2014 to connect INEC with young Nigerians.
