INEC Inaugurates Youth Ambassadors, Seeks Stronger Youth Participation Ahead Of 2027

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has inaugurated a new cohort of Youth Ambassadors as part of efforts to strengthen youth engagement and promote informed, peaceful and responsible participation in the electoral process ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The investiture ceremony brought together National Commissioners, senior officials of the Commission, representatives of government agencies, development partners, returning Youth Ambassadors and the newly selected ambassadors.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Chairman of the Outreach and Partnership Committee (OPC), Prof. Kunle Ajayi, described the initiative as an important platform for strengthening the relationship between INEC and young Nigerians.

Ajayi said the appointment of the ambassadors was not merely the conferment of a title but a responsibility to help strengthen electoral participation and ensure that young Nigerians have 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 influence and capacity of the new Youth Ambassadors to engage other young Nigerians.

Gumus said Nigeria’s large youth population has significant implications for democracy and elections, adding that its numerical strength would only become meaningful when matched with informed, organised and responsible participation.

She urged the ambassadors to go beyond encouraging young Nigerians to vote and listen to the reasons some youths disengage from the electoral process, including lack of information, distrust, political frustration, previous experiences and misunderstanding of electoral procedures.

The INEC National Commissioner also charged the ambassadors to help combat misinformation and disinformation, particularly across social media platforms.

She urged them to adopt the principle, “Verify before you amplify,” when sharing information about elections.

Gumus further warned against the manipulation of young Nigerians for electoral violence, noting that youths recruited into violent activities could 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, stressing that political competition should not require young Nigerians to fight, destroy or kill one another.

She also encouraged the ambassadors to promote constructive engagement between young voters, political parties and candidates by encouraging youths to ask questions about issues affecting their lives, including employment, education, security, economic opportunities and skills development.