By Nkechi Eze
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has inaugurated a new cohort of Youth Ambassadors and charged them to promote informed, peaceful and responsible participation among young Nigerians ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The initiative, according to INEC, is aimed at strengthening the Commission’s engagement with young Nigerians and providing credible youth voices capable of reaching their peers through communities, social media and other youth-oriented platforms.
Speaking at the investiture ceremony, the Chairman, Outreach and Partnership Committee (OPC), Prof. Kunle Ajayi, described the initiative as an important platform for deepening the relationship between INEC and young Nigerians, who constitute a significant constituency in the electoral process.
Ajayi said the appointment was not merely the conferment of a title but a responsibility, urging the ambassadors to promote electoral participation, peaceful conduct and access to accurate information about the electoral process.
Representing the INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, National Commissioner Prof. Rhoda Gumus said the Commission recognised the leadership, influence and capacity of the ambassadors to engage young Nigerians.
She said Nigeria’s large youth population had significant implications for democracy and elections, noting that their numerical strength could only translate into meaningful democratic participation when matched by informed, organised and responsible engagement.
Gumus urged the ambassadors to go beyond encouraging young Nigerians to vote by addressing factors responsible for electoral disengagement, including inadequate information, distrust, political frustration, previous experiences and misunderstanding of electoral procedures.
She also charged them to play an active role in countering misinformation and disinformation, particularly across social media platforms, urging them to adopt the principle: “Verify before you amplify.”
The National Commissioner warned against the manipulation of young people for electoral violence, stressing that youths recruited into violent activities often become victims through death, injuries, arrest and the destruction of their future.
“Do not allow anyone to use your youth against your future,” she said, adding that political competition should not require young Nigerians to fight, destroy or kill one another.
Gumus further urged the ambassadors to promote constructive engagement between young voters, political parties and candidates by encouraging young Nigerians to demand answers on issues affecting their lives, including employment, education, security, economic opportunities and skills development.
The Director, Gender and Inclusivity Department, Mrs. Lakunuya Dorothy, provided an overview of the Youth Ambassador Initiative, including its selection process and expected responsibilities, while the Deputy Director, Inclusivity, Mrs. Habiba Jatto, highlighted the need to strengthen the ambassadors’ understanding of their roles and deepen the connection between INEC and young Nigerians.
Representing the Minister of Youth Development, Hon. Ayodele Emmanuel Olawande, Deputy Director, Network and Social Mobilisation Department, Mrs. Lami Bature, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to youth empowerment, leadership development and human capital advancement.
She described the appointment as both an honour and a call to service, urging the ambassadors to promote electoral awareness, peaceful participation, transparency, accountability, integrity and respect for the rule of law.
The Minister also charged them to educate citizens on voter registration, collection of Permanent Voter Cards where applicable, peaceful conduct during elections and informed participation, while rejecting misinformation, disinformation, electoral violence and vote buying.
Representing the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), the Director, Civic Values and Democracy Education, Mrs. Olufemi Afolayan, commended the initiative and stressed the importance of civic education, democratic values and responsible citizenship in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.
INEC said the collaboration among public institutions underscored the importance of collective efforts in promoting youth participation, civic awareness and democratic development.
The Commission urged the ambassadors to use social media, community engagement, education, entertainment, sports, entrepreneurship and other platforms to make electoral information more accessible and relevant to young Nigerians.
Gumus reminded the ambassadors that their responsibilities extend beyond election day, noting that young Nigerians could contribute to the electoral process as election officials, observers, volunteers, elected representatives and responsible citizens.
She described the ambassadors as a two-way bridge between INEC and young Nigerians, urging them to take the Commission’s messages to their peers while bringing the concerns, questions and experiences of young people back to the Commission.
She stressed that the ambassadors were not expected to defend INEC against legitimate criticism, but should instead encourage informed criticism, peaceful disagreement and responsible political participation as the country prepares for the 2027 General Election.
