INEC
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said that 9,324,349 young Nigerians registered during the recently concluded Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercises.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, disclosed this while unveiling nine returning and new INEC Youth Ambassadors, describing youth participation as vital to strengthening and sustaining democracy.
Represented by National Commissioner, Prof. Rhoda Gumus, Amupitan said the figure underscored the growing importance of young Nigerians in the electoral process, noting that their participation could help shape electoral outcomes and strengthen public confidence in democracy.
He said the appointment of the Youth Ambassadors aimed to deepen the commission’s engagement with young Nigerians and broaden their participation in the electoral process.
“The appointment of these distinguished young Nigerians as INEC Youth Ambassadors is therefore a deliberate step towards strengthening the connection between the Commission and the youth population,” he said.
“We believe that the youths are more likely to engage with electoral information when it is communicated through credible, relatable and influential voices within their communities and social networks.”
The INEC chairman charged the ambassadors to use their influence to raise voter awareness, promote peaceful and responsible participation, counter electoral misinformation and encourage young people to play an active role in shaping the country’s democratic future.
National Commissioner and Chairman of the Outreach and Partnership Committee (OPC), Prof. Kunle Ajayi, urged the ambassadors to speak out against electoral violence and manipulation.
He also called on young Nigerians to protect their future by refusing to be used for activities that could endanger their lives or disrupt the electoral process.
Ajayi urged the ambassadors to promote accurate electoral information and responsible online engagement.
“Information now travels rapidly, and a false claim about an election can reach thousands of people before a correction is issued. I therefore ask every Youth Ambassador to adopt a simple discipline: verify before you amplify,” he said.
Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Emmanuel Olawande, also urged the ambassadors to promote electoral awareness, peaceful participation and responsible citizenship.
He called on them to join efforts to combat misinformation, disinformation and electoral violence while upholding integrity, impartiality and respect for the rule of law.
