In a strategic push to deepen youth engagement ahead of the 2027 General Election, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has inaugurated a fresh cohort of Youth Ambassadors to champion informed, peaceful and responsible civic participation.
The investiture ceremony, held in Abuja, brought together senior INEC officials, development partners and the newly appointed ambassadors.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Outreach and Partnership Committee (OPC), Prof. Kunle Ajayi, emphasised that the appointment is a serious mandate rather than a mere title. He charged the ambassadors to leverage their influence to promote peaceful conduct, enhance electoral participation and provide young Nigerians with accurate electoral information.
Representing the INEC Chairman, National Commissioner Prof. Rhoda Gumus underscored the immense potential of Nigeria’s youth demographic. However, she noted that numerical strength must be matched by informed and organised participation.
Prof. Gumus urged the ambassadors to look beyond simply encouraging voter turnout and actively listen to the root causes of youth disengagement, such as distrust, political frustration and a lack of clear information. She also issued a stern warning against the dangers of fake news, charging the ambassadors to adopt the guiding principle: “Verify before you amplify.”
Addressing the persistent threat of electoral violence, Prof. Gumus cautioned young people against being manipulated as tools for disruption.
“Do not allow anyone to use your youth against your future,” she warned, stressing that political competition should never involve violence, destruction or bloodshed, and that victims of such exploitation often sacrifice their futures.
Furthermore, the Commission encouraged the new ambassadors to foster constructive dialogue between young voters and political aspirants, urging youths to demand accountability and clarity on critical issues such as employment, education, security and economic empowerment.
