The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has inaugurated a new cohort of Youth Ambassadors to strengthen engagement with young Nigerians and promote informed, peaceful and responsible participation ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Chairman of the Outreach and Partnership Committee, Prof. Kunle Ajayi, said the appointment was not merely a title but a mandate to strengthen electoral participation, promote peaceful conduct and ensure youths have access to accurate information.
Representing the INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, National Commissioner Prof. Rhoda Gumus said the large youth population could only be meaningful when matched by informed, organised and responsible participation.
She charged the ambassadors to listen to the reasons for disengagement, including lack of information, distrust and misunderstanding of electoral procedures, and to help address misinformation and disinformation, particularly on social media, with the principle: ‘Verify before you amplify.’
Prof. Gumus warned against the manipulation of youths for electoral violence, saying: ‘Do not allow anyone to use your youth against your future,’ stressing that political competition should never require youths to fight or destroy one another.
She urged them to promote constructive engagement with parties and candidates on issues such as employment, education and security, and to serve as a two-way bridge between INEC and young Nigerians.
Earlier, Director of the Gender and Inclusivity Department, Mrs Lakunuya Dorothy, gave an overview of the initiative, its purpose and selection process, while Deputy Director of Inclusivity, Mrs Habiba Jatto, highlighted its objectives.
A goodwill message on behalf of the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, was delivered by Mrs Lami Bature, who urged the ambassadors to inspire their peers, promote voter registration and the collection of Permanent Voter Cards, encourage peaceful conduct, reject vote buying and promote tolerance.
Director of Civic Values and Democracy Education, Mrs Olufemi Afolayan, who represented the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), emphasised civic education and responsible citizenship.
INEC said the ambassadors are expected to use social media, community engagement, entertainment, sports and entrepreneurship platforms to make electoral information accessible. It reminded them that their responsibility extends beyond election day, as they could become potential election officials, observers and responsible citizens.