Abuja: The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is set to deploy more than 1.4 million National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members across the country, marking one of the largest youth mobilisations in Nigeria’s electoral history ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Prof. Joash Amupitan disclosed this during a courtesy visit to the NYSC in Abuja, where he outlined plans for an electoral partnership.
Amupitan and NYSC Director-General Brig.-Gen. Olakunle Nafiu discussed ways to strengthen electoral collaboration.
Adedayo Oketola, Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, highlighted Amupitan’s remarks on NYSC’s role.
Amupitan emphasised that NYSC members have played a pivotal and consistent role in supporting elections since 1999.
He noted corps members have supported elections since 1999.
“INEC relies on NYSC for successful elections,” Amupitan said.
He described corps members as the backbone of field election operations.
Corps members make up the nationwide election manpower.
He stated their neutrality, discipline, and dedication enhance poll credibility nationwide.
He described corps members as dedicated, educated, and patriotic election staff.
Amupitan said their presence strengthens public confidence in electoral outcomes.
He noted corps members consistently serve as ad hoc election staff nationwide, forming the backbone every cycle.
Reflecting on INEC’s 2023 general election experience, Amupitan stressed their importance.
It can be recalled that INEC deployed about 1.2 million ad hoc staff nationwide for the 2023 polls.
“Over 70 per cent—nearly 850,000—were NYSC members, with the rest student volunteers,” Amupitan said.
Building on the 2023 experience, Amupitan outlined that the 2027 elections will require an even larger mobilisation of NYSC corps members to support INEC’s mission of credible elections.
“In 2027, INEC plans to deploy 707,384 corps members for the presidential and National Assembly elections,” he stated.
“The same number will be needed for governorship and state assembly elections, totalling 1,414,768 ad hoc staff nationwide,” he said.
The INEC boss also indicated that, beyond the general elections, about 52,446 corps members will be needed to support off-cycle and bye-elections.
Amupitan said corps members comprise nearly 90 per cent of key electoral officers and have helped safeguard ballots across 176,846 polling units nationwide.
“These young Nigerians protected the sanctity of the ballot in difficult terrains,” he said.
He praised their role in the Anambra governorship and FCT Area Council elections.
He said their digital skills ensured the effectiveness of the BVAS system.
“Their tech competence is central to modern electoral administration,” he added.
Amupitan assured that INEC is improving welfare and insurance for corps members.
“We are constantly refining safety and welfare measures for all ad hoc staff,” he said.
Amupitan highlighted that early training for corps members and effective partnership with NYSC are essential to INEC’s preparations for credible 2027 elections, citing the upcoming off-cycle elections as key tests.
He added that these elections will test INEC’s innovations for 2027 and asked for continued NYSC collaboration.
In his response, the NYSC Director-General commended the partnership, saying the NYSC-INEC Memorandum of Understanding has been in place since 2011.
Nafiu described corps members as credible, reliable and easily trainable personnel.
He noted that Gen Z corps members are highly skilled in digital technology. “Their digital competence will further strengthen electoral processes,” he said.
He assured INEC of continued NYSC support for all electoral activities.
“We remain committed to supporting credible elections in Nigeria,” Nafiu added.