By By Elizabeth Ugbo
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced plans to deploy more than 1.4 million National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members for the 2027 general election across Nigeria. INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, disclosed this on Monday in Abuja during a courtesy visit to the NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Olakunle O. Nafiu. He said the deployment would cover the presidential, National Assembly, governorship, and state assembly elections scheduled for January and February 2027.
INEC Seeks Massive NYSC Support for 2027 Polls
Professor Amupitan described the partnership between INEC and the NYSC as vital to Nigeria’s democracy. He noted that corps members remain the backbone of election operations nationwide.
According to him, INEC will require 707,384 corps members for the Presidential and National Assembly elections on January 16, 2027. The commission will also need the same number for the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections on February 6, 2027.
“This brings the total number of corps members required for the 2027 general election to 1,414,768,” he said.
He added that corps members have participated in nearly every election cycle since 1999. Therefore, their contribution remains essential to credible elections in Nigeria.
Corps Members Critical to Election Success
Amupitan praised corps members for their dedication, neutrality, and professionalism during elections. He explained that they played key roles in managing polling units across difficult terrains.
“You provide the heartbeat of our field operations,” he stated.
He also revealed that INEC deployed about 1.2 million ad hoc staff during the 2023 general election. More than 70 per cent of the workforce came from the NYSC and student volunteers.
According to him, corps members accounted for nearly 90 per cent of Registration Area Officers and Presiding Officers in several states.
“These young Nigerians protected the sanctity of the ballot in 176,846 polling units nationwide,” he added.
BVAS Performance Improved Through Digital Skills
The INEC chairman highlighted the strong digital skills displayed by corps members during recent elections. He specifically referenced the Anambra Governorship Election and the Federal Capital Territory Area Council polls.
Amupitan said corps members ensured the seamless use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) during the exercises.
“Their digital proficiency proved they are the tech-savvy backbone of our modern democracy,” he said.
He further explained that their resilience helped the electoral process continue smoothly despite local challenges.
Off-Cycle Elections to Test New Innovations
INEC also announced preparations for off-cycle governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states. The Ekiti election will hold on June 20, while the Osun poll is scheduled for August 16.
Additionally, bye-elections will take place in Nasarawa, Enugu, Rivers, Ondo, Kebbi, and Kano states.
Professor Amupitan disclosed that INEC would require 52,446 corps members for these elections.
He stressed that the elections would help the commission test new innovations ahead of the 2027 general election.
“These elections provide opportunities to strengthen our democracy,” he said.
INEC Promises Better Welfare and Safety
Amupitan acknowledged the sacrifices corps members make during election duties. Consequently, he assured the NYSC management that INEC would continue improving welfare and insurance packages.
He also said the commission would strengthen collaboration with security agencies to protect corps members during elections.
“We are constantly refining our insurance and welfare packages,” he added.
NYSC Assures INEC of Full Support
Responding, NYSC Director-General Brigadier General Olakunle O. Nafiu praised the long-standing partnership between both organisations.
He recalled that the Memorandum of Understanding between INEC and the NYSC began in 2011 and has undergone periodic renewals.
Nafiu described corps members as credible, reliable, and easy to train for election duties.
“The last batch of millennials will soon leave the scheme, making way for Gen Z corps members with strong digital skills,” he said.
He assured INEC that the NYSC would fully support the 2027 elections, including off-cycle governorship polls and bye-elections.
