- INEC urged Nigerian youths to take a leading role in strengthening democracy ahead of the 2027 general elections
- The commission unveiled youth-friendly voter education manuals to combat apathy and improve electoral participation
- Officials raised concerns over declining voter turnout, stressing the need for renewed civic education and stakeholder collaboration
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called on Nigerian youths to take a leading role in strengthening the country’s democracy as preparations gather momentum for the 2027 general elections.
Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday at the unveiling of the 2026 Voter Education Manual and its youth-friendly version, INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, emphasised the central role young people play in shaping Nigeria’s democratic future.
The initiative, developed in collaboration with the Kimpact Development Initiative, aims to make civic education more accessible and relatable to youths, who constitute a significant portion of the electorate.
Represented by the INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, Amupitan explained that the commission has redesigned its voter education strategy to better engage young Nigerians. This includes the use of digital platforms and visual storytelling to reflect modern information consumption habits.
“To our youths who make up the majority of our registered voters, this manual was designed for you,” he said, adding that the commission is shifting from merely addressing young people to actively partnering with them in democratic processes.
Amupitan noted that structured civic education has a measurable impact on voter turnout and stressed that consistent enlightenment on the Electoral Act 2026 would help bridge trust gaps and improve participation. He also highlighted the importance of peer-to-peer engagement, stating that it remains one of the most effective ways to reach both urban and rural communities.
Warning against voter apathy, which he described as a major threat to credible elections, Amupitan said declining participation rates undermine democratic progress. He assured Nigerians of the commission’s commitment to credible elections, reiterating that every vote would count.
The INEC Chairman further called for collaboration with key institutions such as the National Youth Service Corps and the National Orientation Agency, alongside civil society groups, to deepen voter awareness nationwide.
Director-General of the National Orientation Agency, Lanre Issa-Onilu, described the initiative as timely and strategic, noting that grassroots engagement would create lasting democratic impact beyond election cycles.
Meanwhile, Team Lead of Kimpact Development Initiative, Bukola Idowu, said the youth-friendly manual positions young Nigerians not only as voters but also as educators and advocates for democratic change.
INEC officials also raised concerns over declining voter turnout since 1999, with participation dropping from over 60 per cent in 2003 to less than 30 per cent in recent elections, underscoring the urgency of renewed civic education efforts.