The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has begun preparations for the 2027 general election, disclosing that over 1.4 million ad hoc staff, largely members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), would be deployed for the exercise.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, disclosed this during a courtesy visit to the Director-General of the NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle O. Nafiu, at the scheme’s headquarters in Abuja yesterday.

Amupitan, who described the meeting with the NYSC senior management team as an honour, said he was not merely on a formal courtesy visit, but on a mission of profound gratitude.

According to him, there is no institution more vital to the conduct of elections in Nigeria than the NYSC.

He noted that corps members have participated in most election cycles since 1999, adding that INEC could not conduct elections successfully without their support.

“As the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), I am honoured to have the opportunity to discuss our collaborative efforts toward ensuring a seamless and credible electoral process in Nigeria,” he said.

“You provide the heartbeat of our field operations. When we speak of election manpower, we are essentially speaking of your corps members. They are the most dedicated, educated and patriotic election duty staff we have, and their presence at the polling units brings a level of neutrality and public confidence that is irreplaceable.

“They form the backbone of our election processes, especially as ad hoc staff, whose dedication, discipline and patriotism are critical to the success of our elections.”
Putting the partnership between INEC and the NYSC into perspective, Amupitan referenced institutional data from the 2023 general election.

He said the commission deployed about 1.2 million ad hoc staff during the 2023 elections, noting that over 70 per cent of the workforce, nearly 850,000 individuals, were drawn from the NYSC and student volunteers.

Speaking on preparations for the 2027 elections, the INEC chairman disclosed that over 1.4 million ad hoc staff would be engaged, with corps members expected to make up the majority.

“For the 2027 general election, we would need 707,384 ad hoc staff (corps members) for the Presidential and National Assembly election on January 16, 2027; the same number would be required for the Governorship and Houses of Assembly election on February 6, 2027, making a total of 1,414,768,” he said.

He added that for the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections, as well as bye-elections in Nasarawa, Enugu, Rivers, Ondo, Kebbi and Kano states, the commission would require an additional 52,446 corps members.

Amupitan said corps members accounted for nearly 90 per cent of Registration Area Officers and Presiding Officers in many states during previous elections.

“These young Nigerians did not just facilitate voting; they protected the sanctity of the ballot in 176,846 polling units across the most difficult terrains of this country,” he stated.

He also highlighted the role of corps members in off-cycle elections, particularly in Anambra State and the Federal Capital Territory Area Council polls.

According to him, their digital proficiency contributed significantly to the seamless operation of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).

Amupitan acknowledged that corps members often undertake election duties under difficult conditions and at personal risk.

He said INEC remained committed to working with the NYSC and security agencies to ensure strict enforcement of safety protocols, while improving insurance and welfare packages for corps members on election duty.

“As the 2027 general election scheduled for January 16, 2027, fast approaches, full mobilisation and preparedness of NYSC members remain critical,” he said.

He added that the commission was also preparing for the off-cycle governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states on June 20 and August 16, respectively, alongside several bye-elections.

“These elections provide further opportunities to strengthen our democracy, and again, the support and participation of NYSC members will be crucial. We are committed to working closely with your agency to ensure proper training and mobilisation of all ad hoc staff needed for these elections.

“I am here to formally request your continued support,” he added.

Responding, the Director-General of the NYSC thanked INEC for sustaining collaboration with the scheme, noting that the memorandum of understanding between both organisations was first signed in 2011 and had been renewed periodically.

He described corps members as credible, reliable and easily trainable manpower.

“The last batch of millennials will exit the corps soon, leaving behind Gen Z corps members, known for their digital savviness, which would benefit INEC,” the DG said.

He assured the commission of the NYSC’s support for both the 2027 general election and the forthcoming off-cycle elections.