INEC Chairman Addresses Youth Voter Registration Decline

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has explained the decline in youth representation on Nigeria’s voters’ register ahead of the 2027 general election. INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, stated on November 3 during the Campus Debate finale at the University of Abuja that young Nigerians now account for 29.79% of the voters’ register, a decrease from 39.65% during the 2023 general election.

Amupitan clarified that this reduction does not reflect a lack of interest in elections among youth, as many voters previously categorized as youth have since moved into older age brackets. He noted that the current voters’ register is still under review.

The debate aimed to address voter apathy and improve electoral understanding among young Nigerians. The University of Jos won the competition, with Bayero University, Kano, in second place, followed by the University of Ibadan and the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

Amupitan praised the debate's standard and expressed a desire to maintain contact with the finalists.