INEC Rallies Youths on Voter Registration as Corps Member Drives CVR Awareness

INEC Rallies Youths on Voter Registration as Corps Member Drives CVR Awareness

The Independent National Electoral Commission has renewed its push for greater youth participation in the electoral process, urging young Nigerians to take advantage of the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise.

The call came at a civic engagement programme held in Abuja, where stakeholders gathered to promote awareness around voter registration and active citizenship.

The event, organised as a Community Development Service project by a serving member of the National Youth Service Corps, Magaji Ndagi, brought together officials of the commission, NYSC representatives, students and other participants at Merit House in Maitama.

Declaring the programme open, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, said the initiative showed how young people can contribute to strengthening democracy.

“I first met the corps 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.

Haruna noted that a credible voters’ register remains central to free and fair elections, adding that the CVR exercise is being carried out in phases in line with legal provisions.

He disclosed that more than 3.7 million Nigerians had registered as of April 2026, with youths accounting for over 68 per cent of new registrants.

“Clearly, Nigeria’s youths dominate the country’s demography. For our democracy to have meaningful impact, it is necessary to engage them by every reasonable means,” he said.

He also highlighted the long-standing role of corps members in election duties, noting that they have been actively involved in the conduct of elections since 2011.

Representing the NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General O. O. Nafiu, Mrs. Anyaogu Maureen commended the initiative and urged young people to take civic responsibility seriously.

“Votes do count, and exercising your civic right is taking charge of the future of this country,” she said.

Also speaking, Senior Technical Adviser to the Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Obinna Ebirim, encouraged young Nigerians to go beyond online discussions and participate fully in the democratic process.

“Democracy does not thrive on silence. It flourishes when citizens actively participate in shaping the leadership and direction of their country,” he said.

On inclusivity, Secretary to the Commission, Dr. Rose Oriaran-Anthony, represented by Mrs. Dorothy Bello, said voter registration remains a key entry point for citizens, especially youths, to influence governance.

“The youth demographic plays a crucial role in the electoral process. However, many remain unregistered or disengaged, and that poses a risk to our democracy,” she said.

In his remarks, the organiser, Magaji Ndagi, described the programme as a call for young Nigerians to take ownership of their future through participation in elections.

“Continuous Voter Registration is more than getting a voter’s card. It is about giving yourself a voice and taking responsibility for the direction of the country,” he said.

The event featured lectures, interactive sessions and the unveiling of a magazine aimed at promoting awareness and encouraging youth involvement in electoral activities.