The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has appointed Nollywood movie producer and cultural entrepreneur, Amb. Thompson Ukeki, as a Youth Ambassador as part of efforts to strengthen youth engagement in Nigeria’s electoral process.
Ukeki was inaugurated in Abuja, where he called on Nigerian youths to take an active role in the country’s democratic process and participate peacefully in elections.
Speaking during his inauguration, Ukeki described the appointment as both an honour and a responsibility to encourage young Nigerians to understand the importance of their participation in democracy.
‘This new appointment as INEC Youth Ambassador comes with another responsibility. It is a responsibility to encourage Nigerian youths to understand the importance of their participation in our democracy.’
He urged eligible youths to obtain and safeguard their Permanent Voter Cards and participate in elections by voting for candidates of their choice.
Ukeki said Nigerian youths should regard the country as their collective home and take responsibility for contributing to its development.
‘Nigeria is our home. I want to use this opportunity to urge all Nigerian youths to come out and vote for their favourite candidates during elections.’
Using the analogy of a house, the newly inaugurated ambassador said citizens must take responsibility for improving the country.
‘When your home is dirty, the only way your house can be clean is with your own hands. So, please, let us use our hands to clean Nigeria.’
Ukeki also urged young Nigerians to reject vote-selling and political thuggery, stressing the need for peaceful participation and constructive engagement during elections.
‘Let us come out and vote-not just voting, but communicating and allowing ourselves to be heard. We must not allow ourselves to be used as thugs or become vote sellers because of money.’
He further encouraged youths to verify electoral information, understand the voting process and exercise their rights peacefully.
The appointment comes as INEC continues efforts to engage young Nigerians ahead of the 2027 general elections. The Commission’s official website currently lists a youth ambassador initiative among its platforms and services.
INEC’s approved timetable places the Presidential and National Assembly elections on February 20, 2027, while the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are scheduled for March 6, 2027.
Ukeki said political participation should go beyond election day, urging young Nigerians to remain informed, engage peacefully, respect the choices of fellow citizens and reject electoral violence and vote-selling.
‘Our future is in our hands. Let us use our hands to build and clean Nigeria. Let us participate peacefully, vote according to our conscience and support democracy.’