INEC says more than 9.3 million youths joined voter register
The Independent National Electoral Commission says 9,324,349 young Nigerians were newly registered during the 2026 Continuous Voter Registration exercises. The commission also unveiled nine Youth Ambassadors to promote voter education, peaceful participation and accurate electoral information ahead of the 2027 general election.
The Independent National Electoral Commission says 9,324,349 young Nigerians were newly registered during the 2026 Continuous Voter Registration exercises, ahead of the 2027 general election. INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan disclosed the figure in Abuja at the investiture of new and returning INEC Youth Ambassadors. He was represented at the event by National Commissioner Rhoda Gumus.
Amupitan said the number highlighted the importance of youth participation in Nigeria’s electoral process. He said active participation could help shape electoral outcomes and strengthen public confidence in democracy. The commission unveiled nine ambassadors as part of an effort to deepen its engagement with young Nigerians.
Amupitan said young people were more likely to receive electoral information through credible and relatable voices within their communities and social networks. He asked the ambassadors to promote voter awareness, peaceful and responsible participation, and accurate information. He also urged them to counter electoral misinformation and maintain integrity, impartiality and responsible citizenship in their work.
National Commissioner Kunle Ajayi called on the ambassadors to speak against electoral violence and manipulation. He warned that false election claims could spread rapidly online and urged them to verify information before sharing it. The initiative, established in 2014, uses influential young figures to promote voter education and peaceful participation.
The commission said it was strengthening the programme to reach young and first-time voters through youth-oriented platforms and address misinformation, hate speech and electoral violence. The ambassadors were drawn from the movie, music and comedy industries. The event included the presentation of certificates and plaques and the administration of an oath of commitment.
Separately, INEC presented a Certificate of Return to Kallamu MaiJama’a, winner of the Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency bye-election held on September 19, 2026.
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