Jane Salihu
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reaffirmed the importance of youth participation in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy, as stakeholders gathered in Abuja for a civic engagement programme aimed at boosting awareness of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise.
The programme, held on Wednesday in Abuja was a Community Development Service (CDS) project by a serving member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Magaji Ndagi. The event brought together senior officials of the electoral body, representatives of government institutions, corps members, and secondary school students from across the Federal Capital Territory.
Declaring the event open, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, praised the initiative, describing it as a reflection of the positive role young people can play in national development.
He recalled that the corps member had earlier visited his office to present the idea of mobilising youths for participation in the CVR exercise, noting that the proposal demonstrated strong initiative and civic consciousness.
Haruna stressed that a credible voters’ register remains the foundation of free, fair and credible elections, adding that the ongoing CVR exercise is being conducted in phases in line with legal provisions.
According to him, more than 3.7 million Nigerians had registered as of April 2026, with youths accounting for over 68 per cent of the new registrants.
“Nigeria’s youths dominate the country’s demography. For our democracy to have meaningful impact, it is necessary to engage them by every reasonable means possible,” he said.
He also highlighted the longstanding partnership between INEC and the NYSC, noting that corps members have continued to play a vital role in election management across the country since 2011.
Speaking at the eveou Maureen of the NYSC Secretariat in Abuja, commended the corps member for demonstrating commitment to nation-building.
He urged young Nigerians, 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,” he said.
Also speaking, the Senior Technical Adviser to the Minister of Youth Development, Obinna Ebirim, described the initiative as timely and consistent with national priorities on youth inclusion.
He encouraged young Nigerians to move beyond online activism and take practical steps by registering and participating in elections.
“Democracy does not thrive on silence. It flourishes when citizens actively participate in shaping the leadership and direction of their country,” he said.
In her remarks, the Secretary to the Commission, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, represented by the Director of Gender and Inclusivity, Dorothy Bello, reiterated INEC’s commitment to inclusive electoral processes.
She noted that Continuous Voter Registration provides a gateway for citizens, particularly young people, to participate in governance and influence leadership decisions.
According to her, sustained civic education, improved access to registration centres and tackling misinformation remain critical to boosting youth engagement in the CVR process.
Earlier in his welcome address, the convener of the programme, Magaji Ndagi, described the initiative as a call for Nigerian youths to take ownership of their future through active participation in the democratic process.
“Continuous Voter Registration is more than obtaining a voter’s card. It is about giving yourself a voice and taking responsibility for the leadership and direction of our country,” he said.
The event featured lectures by senior INEC officials, an interactive session on voter registration, and the unveiling of a magazine designed to promote sustained youth awareness and participation in electoral processes. civic engagement programme aimed at boosting awareness of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise.
