Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Independent National Electoral Commission has called on Nigerian youths to actively participate in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration exercise, warning that electoral apathy undermines democratic governance and weakens civic representation.
The engagement was made at a stakeholder forum convened to strengthen youth involvement in civic participation, bringing together officials from the electoral body, the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, and the National Youth Service Corps alongside students and corps members.
Speaking at the event on behalf of the INEC Chairman, National Commissioner Mallam Mohammad Kudu Haruna emphasised that voter registration remains the constitutional foundation of credible elections and democratic legitimacy in Nigeria.
He explained that only citizens who are duly registered are eligible to vote, stressing that the voters’ register is the backbone of free and fair elections and a critical safeguard against electoral manipulation.
Haruna provided updates on the Continuous Voter Registration exercise, noting that the first phase ran from August to December, while the current phase began in January and is expected to close before the final stage.
He further explained statutory provisions requiring voter registration to end at least ninety days before general elections to allow adequate time for data processing, verification, and production of Permanent Voters’ Cards.
According to him, millions of Nigerians have already registered, with young people forming a significant proportion, although he noted that participation levels remain below expectations given the size of the youth population.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Minister of Youth Development, Dr Obinna Obirim commended the initiative, describing it as a strong example of youth-led civic engagement and leadership responsibility.
He said Nigeria’s youth population, which constitutes more than half of the country’s demographic composition, holds significant power to influence electoral outcomes and shape the direction of national development.
He warned that democracy cannot thrive on silence or disengagement, stressing that active participation is necessary for governance to reflect the will of the people.
He urged young Nigerians to move beyond online commentary and embrace voter registration as the first and most important step in shaping political leadership and accountability.
He also highlighted ongoing youth empowerment programmes under the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, including digital skills training, entrepreneurship initiatives, and data protection education aimed at economic inclusion.
He encouraged participants to take advantage of such initiatives while also committing to civic responsibility through active voter registration and participation in elections.
The forum also reiterated that the Continuous Voter Registration exercise remains central to maintaining an updated and credible voters’ register ahead of future elections, with officials stressing that deadlines are legally backed and essential for effective electoral planning. Participants were reminded that the registration process is structured in phases to allow for data capture, verification, and production of Permanent Voters’ Cards, as well as to ensure that only eligible citizens are included in the electoral roll. Stakeholders emphasised that delays or failure to register would effectively exclude many young Nigerians from participating in the democratic process, thereby weakening representation. The session further encouraged collaboration between institutions and youth organisations to expand awareness campaigns and improve access to registration centres across urban and rural communities.
INEC and partner institutions warned that voter apathy remains one of the major challenges affecting electoral participation in Nigeria, particularly among young people who constitute the majority of the population but often show lower turnout during elections. Officials stressed that democratic governance depends on informed and active citizens who not only register but also participate in voting when elections are conducted. They noted that civic disengagement undermines accountability and reduces the ability of citizens to influence public policy and leadership selection. The forum also highlighted the importance of early civic education, encouraging schools, universities, and youth groups to integrate electoral awareness into their programmes. Participants were further advised to encourage peer mobilisation, especially within communities where access to registration centres may be limited or awareness remains low. Stakeholders reaffirmed commitment to expanding outreach efforts to ensure no eligible citizen is excluded from the electoral process due to lack of information or logistical barriers.
Observers at the event noted that strengthening youth participation in electoral processes is increasingly seen as a key factor in consolidating democratic governance in Nigeria, particularly as the country continues to experience a youthful demographic surge. They emphasised that institutions such as the electoral commission, the Ministry of Youth Development, and the National Youth Service Corps play complementary roles in mobilising citizens and promoting civic awareness. The collaboration between government agencies and youth-led initiatives was described as essential for improving voter education, expanding registration coverage, and building trust in the electoral system. Participants also acknowledged that technological innovations in the registration process have improved efficiency, but stressed that physical outreach remains necessary in underserved areas. The discussions concluded with a renewed call for sustained engagement and continuous mobilisation ahead of upcoming electoral cycles across the country.
The forum ultimately reinforced the message that Nigeria’s democratic strength depends heavily on active citizen participation, particularly among young people who represent the majority of the population. Speakers collectively stressed that voter registration is not merely an administrative exercise but a civic responsibility that determines access to political representation and governance. They urged sustained collaboration between government institutions, civil society organisations, and youth networks to ensure broader inclusion in the electoral process. The event concluded with a unified call for youths to take advantage of the ongoing registration exercise and to translate civic awareness into concrete participation during elections.
Officials reiterated that the success of the Continuous Voter Registration exercise will significantly influence the credibility of future elections in Nigeria, noting that inclusive participation remains central to democratic stability. They stressed that sustained public enlightenment is necessary to reduce apathy and encourage informed decision-making among citizens. The collaboration between electoral authorities, youth organisations, and government ministries was described as a long-term strategy for strengthening civic engagement nationwide. Participants expressed optimism that increased awareness would translate into higher registration figures and improved voter turnout in upcoming elections, ultimately reinforcing democratic governance and accountability across all levels of leadership in country.
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