INEC to Deploy 1.4 Million NYSC Members for Elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will deploy 1.4 million members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to conduct the 2027 general elections across Nigeria. INEC Chairman Professor Joash Amupitan disclosed this plan during a visit to the NYSC Director General Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu at the Gowon House in Abuja.

Amupitan described the NYSC as a critical pillar in Nigeria's democratic process, noting that elections cannot be successfully conducted without the support of corps members. He stated that 707,384 corps members will be engaged for the presidential and national assembly elections scheduled for January 16, 2027, and another 707,384 for the governorship and state assembly elections set for February 6, 2027.

Additionally, 52,446 corps members will be needed for governorship bye-elections in several states. Amupitan acknowledged the risks associated with electoral duties and assured that INEC would continue to strengthen welfare and security measures for corps members.

The collaboration between INEC and NYSC has been ongoing since a memorandum of understanding was signed in 2011.