The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has disclosed that 9,324,349 young Nigerians were newly registered during the 2026 Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercises, as it unveiled nine returning and new Youth Ambassadors to deepen youth engagement ahead of the 2027 general election.

Chairman of the Commission, Prof Joash Amupitan, SAN, made the disclosure at the investiture ceremony of newly appointed Youth Ambassadors in Abuja on Wednesday, 30 September 2026. He was represented by National Commissioner, Prof Rhoda Gumus.

Amupitan said the figure underscored the growing importance of youth participation, stressing that the active involvement of young Nigerians was vital to strengthening democracy.

“This figure reinforces the critical role of active youth participation in Nigeria’s electoral process, which also helps in shaping electoral outcomes and strengthening public confidence in the democratic process,” he said.

He said the appointment of Youth Ambassadors was a deliberate step to strengthen the connection between the Commission and the youth population.

“We believe that youths are more likely to engage with electoral information when it is communicated through credible, relatable and influential voices within their communities and social networks,” he said.

He urged the ambassadors to use their influence to raise voter awareness, promote peaceful participation, counter misinformation and uphold integrity and impartiality.

In his welcome address, National Commissioner and Chairman, Outreach and Partnership Committee, Prof Kunle Ajayi, called on the ambassadors to speak against electoral violence and manipulation and promote accurate information.

Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, represented by Deputy Director, Network and Social Mobilisation, Mrs Lami Bature, urged the ambassadors to promote electoral awareness and peaceful participation and join the fight against misinformation and electoral violence.

Director-General, National Orientation Agency, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, represented by Director, Civic Values and Democracy Education, Dr Olukemi Afolayan, also urged the ambassadors to promote civic responsibility and electoral integrity.

Director, Gender and Inclusivity Department, Mrs Lakunuya Dorothy Bello, said the Youth Ambassadors Initiative, established in 2014, connects the Commission with young Nigerians through credible youth figures to promote voter education and responsible digital engagement.

Deputy Director, Inclusivity, Haj Habiba Abdulkareem Jatto, said the initiative would strengthen partnership with influential young Nigerians and promote greater participation.

The nine ambassadors, drawn from the movie, music and comedy industries, are Amal Umar, Christopher Yohanna (Uncle CY), Alex Kool Ibeh (Mr Kool), Mike Godson, Emmanuel Ikubese, Seun Ajayi, Ibrahim Tukur Bello (Disability Is Not Inability), Sunday Agbaji and Thompson Ukeki.

Highlights included the presentation of certificates, plaques and ambassadorial mufflers, and the administration of the Oath of Commitment.

In a related development, INEC presented a Certificate of Return to the winner of the Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency bye-election held on 19 September 2026.

The Certificate was presented to the Member-elect, Hon Kallamu MaiJama’a, by the National Commissioner supervising Gombe State, Rear Adm Jamila Abubakar Sadiq Malafa (rtd), at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja. (Nigerian Tribune)