INEC Backs NYSC Corps Members for 2027 Elections, Says Over 1.4 Million Needed for National Polls

Nigeria’s electoral body has moved to reinforce its dependence on youth participation in elections, as the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (Independent National Electoral Commission), Joash Amupitan, praised members of the National Youth Service Corps (National Youth Service Corps) as central to the credibility of the country’s voting process.

Speaking during a courtesy visit by NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General OO Nafiu, at INEC headquarters in Abuja on Monday, Amupitan described corps members as the most reliable and patriotic workforce deployed for election duties across Nigeria.

He said their involvement at polling units has consistently strengthened public trust, noting that their neutrality and discipline remain key to safeguarding the integrity of elections.

Amupitan also assured that INEC is working to improve welfare and insurance packages for corps members deployed during elections, stressing that their safety remains a top priority for the commission.

Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, he revealed that INEC will require over 1.4 million corps members to support electoral operations across the country.

According to him, about 707,384 corps members will be needed for both the presidential and National Assembly elections scheduled for January 16, 2027, while the same number will also be deployed for governorship and state assembly elections on February 6, 2027.

He noted that corps members often serve as Registration Area Officers and Presiding Officers in many states, accounting for nearly 90 percent of INEC’s field staff in some locations.

Amupitan highlighted their role in managing Nigeria’s 176,846 polling units, especially in hard-to-reach and high-risk areas where logistics and security challenges are more severe.

He also commended their performance during recent elections, including the Anambra governorship poll and Federal Capital Territory area council elections, where their handling of digital tools like the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) helped ensure smoother processes.

The INEC chairman emphasized that collaboration with NYSC and security agencies remains critical for delivering transparent, credible and peaceful elections.

He added that preparations for the 2026 off-cycle elections and the 2027 general polls are already underway, with a focus on training and mobilizing ad hoc staff effectively.

“Our goal is a structured, efficient and peaceful electoral process,” Amupitan said, stressing that success will depend on cooperation and shared responsibility among institutions.