By Anayo Akwitti
The Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, has intensified efforts to boost youth participation in Nigeria’s electoral process.
This , highlighted the dominance of young people in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise.
At a civic engagement programme in Abuja, the Commission underscored the urgent need to sustain youth involvement in voter registration and democratic processes, amid concerns that many eligible young Nigerians remain unregistered.
The event, initiated by a serving member of the National Youth Service Corps, Magaji Ndagi, brought together electoral officials, policymakers, corps members and students from across the Federal Capital Territory.
Speaking at the programme, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, said a credible voters’ register is fundamental to free and fair elections.
He revealed that over 3.7 million Nigerians have registered as of April 2026, with youths accounting for more than 68 per cent—an indication of their growing influence in shaping the country’s democratic future.
Haruna also reaffirmed the Commission’s collaboration with the NYSC, noting that corps members have remained central to election management since 2011.
Representatives of key government institutions echoed the call for increased youth engagement. The NYSC leadership urged young Nigerians to take advantage of the CVR exercise, while the Ministry of Youth Development emphasised the need to move beyond online activism to active civic participation.
INEC Secretary, Dr Rose Oriaran-Anthony, stressed that low voter registration among some segments of the youth population poses a significant risk to inclusive governance, calling for sustained voter education, improved access to registration centres and stronger efforts to combat misinformation.
Convener of the programme, Magaji Ndagi, described the initiative as a strategic intervention to mobilise young Nigerians to take ownership of the democratic process through voter registration and participation.
The programme featured expert lectures, interactive sessions and the unveiling of a voter awareness magazine, all aimed at strengthening civic consciousness and deepening youth engagement in Nigeria’s electoral system
