The Independent National Electoral Commission has reaffirmed its commitment to youth inclusion, urging active participation in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration and future elections.

INEC’s national commissioner, Mohammed Haruna, gave the assurance at a personal Community Development Service project initiated by a National Youth Service Corps member, Magaji Ndagi, who is serving with the commission.

The personal CDS aims to enhance youth participation in the Continuous Voter Registration.

Mr Haruna, who is also the chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, reiterated the critical role of young people in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.

He said that a credible voters’ register remains the foundation of free, fair and credible elections, noting that the ongoing CVR exercise is being implemented in phases in line with legal provisions.

He said that as of April 2026, over 3.7 million Nigerians had registered, with youths accounting for more than 68 per cent of new registrants.

“Clearly, Nigeria’s youths dominate the country’s demography. Therefore, for our democracy to have any meaningful impact, it is necessary to engage with them by every reasonable means possible,” he stated.

Commending Mr Ndagi’s initiative, the national commissioner described it as a demonstration of youth-driven commitment to national development.

“I first met the corp member a few months ago when he came to my office to share his idea on mobilising young people for participation in the CVR exercise. He struck me as a serious young man full of initiative,” he said.

He further highlighted the longstanding partnership between INEC and the NYSC, noting that corps members have continued to play a central role in the conduct of elections since 2011.

NYSC’s director-general, Olakunle Nafiu, urged young people, who constitute the largest voting population, to take advantage of the ongoing CVR exercise by registering and participating in elections.

“Votes do count, and exercising your civic right is taking charge of the future of this country,” Mr Nafiu stated.

Youth minister Ayodele Olawande described the initiative as timely and aligned with national priorities on youth inclusion.

“Democracy does not thrive on silence. It flourishes when citizens actively participate in shaping the leadership and direction of their country,” Mr Olawande said.

He urged young Nigerians to move beyond online activism and take concrete steps by registering and participating in elections.

“Your vote is your voice. Your registration is your right. Your participation is your power,” he added.

(NAN)