The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, have reiterated the critical role of young people in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.
This is as stakeholders converged in Abuja for a civic engagement programme aimed at enhancing youth participation in the Continuous Voter Registration, CVR, exercise.
The event, a Community Development Service, CDS, project initiated by a serving National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, member with the Commission, Magaji Ndagi, was held on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at Merit House, Maitama, Abuja.
It drew attendance from senior management staff of the Commission, the NYSC, representatives of government institutions, corps members, and selected students from secondary schools across the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.
Declaring the event open, National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, IVEC, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, commended the initiative, describing it as a demonstration of youth-driven commitment to national development.
“I first met the corps member a few months ago when he came to my office to share his idea on mobilising young people for participation in the CVR exercise. He struck me as a serious young man full of initiative,” he said.
Haruna emphasised that a credible voters’ register remains the foundation of free, fair and credible elections, noting that the ongoing CVR exercise is being implemented in phases in line with legal provisions. He disclosed that as of April 2026, over 3.7 million Nigerians had registered, with youths accounting for more than 68 per cent of new registrants.
“Clearly, Nigeria’s youths dominate the country’s demography. Therefore, for our democracy to have any meaningful impact, it is necessary to engage with them by every reasonable means possible,” he stated.
The INEC chairman further highlighted the longstanding partnership between INEC and the NYSC, noting that corps members have continued to play a central role in the conduct of elections since 2011.
Also speaking, the Director-General of the NYSC, Brigadier General O. O Nafiu, represented by Mrs Anyaogu Maureen of the NYSC Secretariat, Abuja, expressed pride in the convener, noting that he represents the ideal Nigerian youth committed to nation-building.
He urged young people, who constitute the largest voting population, to take advantage of the ongoing CVR exercise by registering and participating in elections.
“Votes do count, and exercising your civic right is taking charge of the future of this country,” he stated.
In his remarks, the Senior Technical Adviser to the Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Obinna Ebirim, who represented the minister, described the initiative as timely and aligned with national priorities on youth inclusion.
“Democracy does not thrive on silence. It flourishes when citizens actively participate in shaping the leadership and direction of their country,” he said.
He urged young Nigerians to move beyond online activism and take concrete steps by registering and participating in elections.
“Your vote is your voice. Your registration is your right. Your participation is your power,” he added.
On her part, the Secretary to the Commission, Dr. Rose Oriaran-Anthony, represented by the Director, Gender and Inclusivity, Mrs Dorothy Bello, reiterated INEC’s commitment to inclusive electoral processes. She noted that Continuous Voter Registration serves as a gateway to civic participation and empowers citizens, particularly young people, to influence governance.
“The youth demographic plays a crucial role in the electoral process. However, many remain unregistered or disengaged. This is not just a missed opportunity but a risk to our democracy,” she said.
She identified sustained civic education, improved access to registration centres, and the fight against misinformation as key strategies to boosting youth engagement in the CVR process.
Earlier in his welcome address, the convener of the programme, Magaji Ndagi, described the initiative as a call to action for Nigerian youths to take ownership of their future through active participation in the democratic process.
“Continuous Voter Registration is more than just a process of getting a voter’s card. It is about giving yourself a voice and taking responsibility for the leadership and direction of our country,” he said.
He urged young people to move from apathy to action, stressing that democracy is a continuous process that requires sustained participation.
The high point of the event was the unveiling of a magazine by the convener, aimed at further promoting awareness and deepening youth engagement in electoral processes.
The programme also featured lectures by senior officials of the Commission and an interactive session, providing participants with deeper insights into the CVR process and the importance of active citizenship.
INEC, NYSC harp on role of young Nigerians in strengthening democracy
