From David Onuoja, Abuja
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has revealed that about 9,324,349 young Nigerians were newly registered during the last exercise of (2026) Continuous Voter Registration (CVR).
Chairman of the Commission, Professor Joash Amupitan, who was represented by the National Commissioner, Professor Rhoda Gumus, made the disclosure at the investiture ceremony of the newly appointed Youth Ambassadors in AAbuja recently.
Amupitan said the figure underscored the growing importance of youth participation in the electoral process, stressing that the active involvement of young Nigerians was vital to strengthening and sustaining democracy.
INEC also, unveiled nine returning and new INEC Youth Ambassadors (IYAs), in order to deepen youth engagement and boost participation ahead of the 2027 General Election.
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He explained that the appointment of the Youth Ambassadors was aimed at deepening the Commission’s engagement with young Nigerians and broadening their participation in the electoral process.
“The appointment of these distinguished young Nigerians as INEC Youth Ambassadors is therefore a deliberate step towards strengthening the connection between the Commission and the youth population. We believe that the youths are more likely to engage with electoral information when it is communicated through credible, relatable and influential voices within their communities and social networks,” he noted.
Amupitan therefore, urged the ambassadors to use their influence to raise voter awareness, promote peaceful and responsible participation, counter electoral misinformation and encourage young people to play an active role in shaping the nation’s democratic future.
He further charged them to uphold integrity, impartiality and responsible citizenship in the discharge of their duties.
In his welcome address, the National Commissioner and Chairman, Outreach and Partnership Committee (OPC), Prof. Kunle Ajayi, called on the Youth Ambassadors to speak against electoral violence and manipulation. He urged young people to protect their future and refuse to be used in activities that could endanger their lives or disrupt the electoral process.
Delivering a goodwill message, the Minister of Youth Development, Hon. Ayodele Olawande, ably represented by the Deputy Director, Network and Social Mobilisation Department, Mrs Lami Bature, urged the ambassadors to promote electoral awareness, peaceful participation and responsible citizenship.
In another goodwill message, the Director-General, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Oniru, represented by the Director, Civic Values and Democracy Education, Dr Olukemi Afolayan, also urged the ambassadors to use their influence to promote civic responsibility, electoral integrity and peaceful participation ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The nine ambassadors were drawn from the movie, music and comedy industries, and comprise returning ambassadors who have served the Commission for over a decade as well as newly appointed members.
They are Amal Umar, Christopher Yohanna (popularly known as Uncle CY), Alex Kool Ibeh (Mr Kool), Mike Godson, Emmanuel Ikubese, Seun Ajayi, Ibrahim Tukur Bello (Disability Is Not Inability), Sunday Agbaji and Ambassador Thompson Ukeki.
Highlights of the investiture included the presentation of certificates, plaques and ambassadorial mufflers, as well as the administration of the Oath of Commitment.
INEC equally presented the Certificate of Return to the winner of the Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency bye-election, Hon. Kallamu MaiJama’a who was elected on Saturday 19, September 2026.
