INEC reaffirms commitment to youth inclusion

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reaffirmed its commitment to youth inclusion, urging active participation in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) and future elections.

INEC National Commissioner Mohammed Haruna, gave the assurance at a personal Community Development Service (CDS) project initiated by a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Magaji Ndagi, serving in the commission.

The personal CDS is aimed at enhancing youth participation in the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR).

Haruna, who is also the Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), in his remarks, emphasised the critical role of young people in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.

He said 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 said that as at 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.

Commending the initiative by Ndagi, the national commissioner described it as a demonstration of youth-driven commitment to national development.

“I first met the corp 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.

He 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.

The Director-General of the NYSC, Brig.-Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, represented by Mrs Anyaogu Maureen of the NYSC Secretariat, Abuja, expressed happiness with the convener, noting that he represents the ideal Nigerian youth committed to nation-building.

Nafiu 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,” Nafiu stated.

The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, represented by his Senior Technical Adviser, Dr Obinna Ebirim, 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,” Olawande 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.

Oriaran-Anthony noted that CVR served 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, 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.

“CVR 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.