INEC to deploy over 1.4 million corps members for 2027 elections

Politics

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) —The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it will deploy more than 1.4 million members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) for the 2027 general elections across the country.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, disclosed this during a courtesy visit to the leadership of the NYSC in Abuja on Monday.

Amupitan met with the Director-General of the NYSC, Brig.-Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, as part of efforts to strengthen collaboration between both institutions ahead of future elections.

A statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Adedayo Oketola, quoted Amupitan as describing the NYSC as a critical pillar in Nigeria’s democratic and electoral process.

He said corps members had consistently supported election operations since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999.

“I dare say INEC cannot conduct elections in Nigeria without the NYSC,” Amupitan said.

According to him, corps members remain the backbone of field election operations nationwide.

“When we speak of election manpower, we are essentially speaking of your corps members,” he added.

The INEC chairman said the neutrality, discipline and commitment of corps members continue to strengthen the credibility of elections across the country.

“They are the most dedicated, educated and patriotic election staff we have,” he said.

Amupitan noted that corps members serve as ad hoc staff during elections and play key roles in safeguarding electoral materials and processes at polling units nationwide.

He cited the 2023 general elections as an example of their importance to election management.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that INEC deployed about 1.2 million ad hoc staff during the 2023 elections, with more than 70 per cent — nearly 850,000 — comprising corps members and student volunteers.

According to Amupitan, the 2027 elections will require an even larger mobilisation.

“INEC will deploy 707,384 corps members for the presidential and National Assembly elections.

“The same number will be required for governorship and state assembly elections. This brings the total requirement to 1,414,768 ad hoc personnel nationwide,” he said.

He added that an additional 52,446 corps members would be needed for off-cycle and bye-elections.

Amupitan said corps members account for nearly 90 per cent of key electoral officers deployed nationwide, noting that they had protected the integrity of the ballot across Nigeria’s 176,846 polling units.

“These young Nigerians protected the sanctity of the ballot in difficult terrains,” he said.

He also commended their performance during the Anambra governorship election and the Federal Capital Territory Area Council polls.

According to him, their digital skills contributed significantly to the successful deployment of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).

“Their tech competence is central to modern electoral administration,” he added.

Amupitan assured that INEC was working to improve welfare packages and insurance coverage for corps members engaged in election duties.

“We are constantly refining safety and welfare measures for all ad hoc staff,” he said.

He stressed the need for early training and preparation ahead of the 2027 elections, while also referencing upcoming off-cycle elections in Ekiti and Osun states.

“These elections will test our innovations before the 2027 general elections,” he said, while seeking continued collaboration from the NYSC leadership.

In his response, NYSC Director-General, Brig.-Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, commended the longstanding partnership between both institutions, noting that the INEC-NYSC Memorandum of Understanding had been in operation since 2011.

Nafiu described corps members as credible, reliable and easily trainable personnel.

He added that incoming Gen Z corps members possess strong digital skills that would further enhance electoral processes.

“Their digital competence will further strengthen electoral processes,” he said.

He assured INEC of the NYSC’s continued support for electoral activities nationwide.

“We remain committed to supporting credible elections in Nigeria,” Nafiu added.