The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has inaugurated a new cohort of Youth Ambassadors as part of efforts to strengthen engagement with young Nigerians and promote informed, peaceful and responsible participation in the electoral process ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The investiture ceremony was attended by National Commissioners, senior officials of the Commission, representatives of government agencies, development partners, returning Youth Ambassadors and the newly selected ambassadors.
Speaking at the event, 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, whom he identified as a critical constituency in Nigeria’s electoral process.
Ajayi said the appointment of the ambassadors was not merely the conferment of a title but a responsibility to use their influence to promote electoral participation, peaceful conduct and access to accurate information about the electoral process.
Representing the INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, at the ceremony, National Commissioner Prof. Rhoda Gumus said the Commission recognised the leadership, influence and capacity of the new Youth Ambassadors to engage with other young Nigerians.
Gumus said Nigeria’s large youth population had significant implications for democracy and elections, noting that the numerical strength of young Nigerians would only translate into meaningful democratic participation when matched with informed, organised and responsible engagement.
She urged the ambassadors to go beyond encouraging young Nigerians to vote, tasking them to understand the factors contributing to youth disengagement from the electoral process.
According to her, such factors include lack of information, distrust, political frustration, previous experiences and misunderstanding of electoral procedures.
The National Commissioner also charged the ambassadors to help combat misinformation and disinformation, particularly across social media platforms, urging them to adopt the principle: “Verify before you amplify.”
Gumus further 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 never require young Nigerians to fight, destroy or kill one another.
She also encouraged the Youth Ambassadors to promote constructive engagement between young voters, political parties and candidates.
She urged them to encourage young Nigerians to ask questions about issues directly affecting their lives, including employment, education, security, economic opportunities and skills development.
The initiative is expected to strengthen youth-focused voter education and encourage greater access to credible electoral information ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Share this content:
About The Author
