From Atiku Sarki, Abuja
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has disclosed that more than 1.4 million members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) will be deployed for the 2027 general elections across the country.
This was contained in a statement signed and issued to The Triumph in Abuja by Adedayo Oketola, CPS/Media Adviser to the INEC Chairman.
According to the statement, the Chairman of INEC, Professor Joash Amupitan, made the disclosure during a courtesy visit to the Director-General of the NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle O. Nafiu, at the Yakubu Gowon House, the headquarters of the NYSC in Abuja, on Monday.
Prof. Amupitan described the meeting with the NYSC senior management team as more than a formal visit, saying it was also a mission of gratitude in recognition of the corps’ role in Nigeria’s democratic process.
He stated that corps members have participated in virtually every election cycle since 1999, stressing that INEC could hardly conduct elections successfully without the NYSC.
“You provide the heartbeat of our field operations. When we speak of election manpower, we are essentially speaking of your corps members.
“They are the most dedicated, educated, and patriotic election duty staff we have, and their presence at polling units brings a level of neutrality and public confidence that is irreplaceable,” he said.
The INEC chairman noted that corps members form the backbone of the commission’s election processes, especially as ad hoc staff whose dedication, discipline, and patriotism are critical to credible elections.
Giving insight into the 2023 general election, Prof. Amupitan revealed that INEC deployed about 1.2 million ad hoc staff, with more than 70 per cent, nearly 850,000 personnel, drawn from the NYSC and student volunteers.
He explained that for the 2027 general elections, INEC would require 707,384 corps members for the Presidential and National Assembly elections scheduled for January 16, 2027, while another 707,384 would be needed for the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections on February 6, 2027, bringing the total to 1,414,768 personnel.
He added that 52,446 corps members would also be required for the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections, as well as bye-elections in Nasarawa, Enugu, Rivers, Ondo, Kebbi, and Kano states.
Prof. Amupitan further disclosed that in many states during previous elections, corps members accounted for nearly 90 per cent of Registration Area Officers and Presiding Officers.
“These young Nigerians did not just facilitate voting; they protected the sanctity of the ballot in 176,846 polling units across the most difficult terrains of this country,” he said.
He also praised the corps members for their digital proficiency, especially in the deployment and operation of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) during the Anambra Governorship Election and the FCT Area Council polls.
According to him, their resilience and technological competence ensured smooth and uninterrupted electoral processes despite operational challenges.
The INEC chairman acknowledged the sacrifices made by corps members during election duties and assured that the commission would continue to strengthen safety measures, insurance, and welfare packages to protect them while on national assignment.
“As the 2027 general elections approach, full mobilisation and preparedness of NYSC members remain crucial,” he said.
He added that the forthcoming off-cycle governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states, scheduled for June 20 and August 16 respectively, alongside several bye-elections, would serve as important tests for INEC’s innovations ahead of the 2027 polls.
Prof. Amupitan formally requested the continued support of the NYSC in ensuring successful conduct of the elections.
Responding, the Director-General of the NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle O. Nafiu, appreciated INEC for sustaining its collaboration with the scheme, noting that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between both organisations was first signed in 2011 and has been renewed periodically.
The NYSC DG described corps members as credible, reliable, and easily trainable manpower.
He noted that the outgoing batch of millennials would soon give way to Gen Z corps members, whose digital skills would further enhance electoral operations.
Brigadier General Nafiu assured INEC of the NYSC’s commitment to supporting both the 2027 general elections and all forthcoming off-cycle elections across the country.
