Youths central to nation’s democratic progress, says INEC chairman

The Independent National Electoral Commission has called on Nigerian youths to take a leading role in strengthening the country’s democracy ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday at the unveiling of the 2026 Voter Education Manual and its youth-friendly version, in collaboration with the Kimpact Development Initiative, the INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan (SAN), said young people remain central to the nation’s democratic progress.

The youth-oriented manual is designed to make civic education accessible and relatable to Nigerian youths, a population critical to the credibility and vibrancy of upcoming elections.

Represented by the INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, Amupitan said the commission had redesigned its voter education tools to better connect with young voters through digital platforms and visual storytelling.

“To our youths who make up the majority of our registered voters, this manual was designed for you. We recognise that the 21st-century voter consumes information mostly through digital means and visual storytelling. “We have adapted our tools to meet you where you are, transitioning from preaching at the youth to partnering with the youth. Your engagement is the primary driver of our democratic development,” Amupitan said.

He added that structured civic education has a direct positive effect on voter turnout, stressing that consistent enlightenment on the Electoral Act 2026 would help close trust gaps and improve participation.

He noted that the initiative would leverage peer-to-peer engagement, as “data shows that peer-to-peer storytelling carries the highest trust equity among urban youth and rural demographics. These corps members will ensure that no community is left behind in a narrative vacuum”.

Amupitan warned that voter apathy remains a major threat to credible elections, citing low participation in recent polls.

“A democracy populated by many indifferent citizens is a democracy in retreat,” he said.

He proceeded to assure Nigerians to trust the commission, stating that, “Wth INEC, your votes will always count”.

He added that voter education remains key to reversing apathy.

“We are not just printing books; we are providing the democratic manual every Nigerian needs to protect their future. For too long, we have accepted a democracy where the 70% who stay at home allow the remaining 30% to decide the future for everyone. Today, with the launch of this manual, INEC is once again saying that voter apathy must be tackled headlong,” he added.

Amupitan called for collaboration among stakeholders, including the National Youth Service Corps and the National Orientation Agency, as well as civil society groups, to deepen public awareness ahead of the elections.

He added that the civic education initiative would deploy corps members nationwide to promote informed participation in the electoral process.

The Director-General of the National Orientation Agency, Lanre Issa-Onilu, described the initiative as timely and strategic.

“Through this, we are telling young Nigerians that grassroots strength, communal engagement, and creating a multiplier effect will endure beyond elections,” he said.

He added that the manuals would be integrated into the NYSC Community Development Service platform to expand voter education nationwide.

“The role of civic political education in achieving free, fair, and credible elections cannot be overstated,” Issa-Onilu said.

In his welcome remarks, KDI Team Lead, Bukola Idowu, said the organisation was proud to support INEC in reviewing and updating the manual.

“The youth-friendly version places young people at the centre of democratic participation—not just as voters but also as educators, advocates, and change agents within their communities,” he said.

In his remarks, Haruna expressed concern over declining voter turnout since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999.

He said participation had dropped significantly, noting that turnout “plunged from a high of over 60 per cent in 2003 to under 30 per cent in the last general election, underscoring the urgency of renewed voter education efforts.

“It is one thing to have the right to vote, but it is another to exercise it, and yet another to know how to do so,” he said.

He explained that the updated manual reflects recent legal and technological changes, while the simplified version targets young voters.