The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has disclosed that 9,324,349 young Nigerians completed fresh voter registration during the 2026 Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, highlighting the growing importance of youth participation ahead of the 2027 general elections. The figure was announced by INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, in Abuja on September 30, 2026.
Key Highlights
- INEC registered 9,324,349 young Nigerians during the 2026 CVR exercise.
- The commission recorded 10,772,421 new registrants overall across the three phases of registration.
- Youth registrations account for the overwhelming majority of new voter registrations.
- PVC collection is scheduled to begin nationwide on October 9, 2026.
- Nigeria is preparing for the 2027 general elections, with the presidential and National Assembly elections scheduled for January 16, 2027, according to INEC’s current election information.
- INEC has also strengthened its Youth Ambassadors Initiative to promote voter education and combat electoral misinformation.
INEC Records 9.3 Million Youth Registrations
Amupitan disclosed the figure while speaking during the investiture of nine returning and newly appointed INEC Youth Ambassadors in Abuja. He was represented at the event by National Commissioner Prof. Rhoda Gumus.
The INEC chairman said the large number of young registrants underscored the importance of youth participation in Nigeria’s electoral process.
Amupitan said the appointment of the Youth Ambassadors was designed to strengthen the relationship between INEC and young Nigerians and improve the way electoral information reaches the younger population.
According to the commission, young Nigerians are more likely to engage with electoral information when it is communicated through credible and relatable voices within their communities and social networks.
10.7 Million New Voters Registered
The youth registration figure comes against the broader results of the 2026 Continuous Voter Registration exercise.
INEC’s CVR timetable covered three registration phases between August 2025 and August 2026. The commission’s official timetable shows registration taking place from August 18 to December 10, 2025, from January 5 to April 17, 2026, and from May 4 to August 17, 2026.
The commission subsequently recorded 10,772,421 new registrants overall, subject to verification and the removal of duplicate or invalid records through its biometric verification processes.
INEC has also indicated that the national voter register is approaching the 100 million mark, underlining the scale of voter participation expected ahead of the 2027 elections.
The commission’s current official website lists more than 93 million registered voters and identifies January 16, 2027, as the date for the presidential and National Assembly election.
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PVC Collection to Begin October 9
Following the completion of the registration exercise, attention is now shifting to the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
PVC collection is scheduled to commence nationwide on October 9, 2026, giving newly registered voters an opportunity to obtain the cards required for voting.
INEC’s voter portal also provides services for voters to check their registration status, update information, transfer registration and locate registration centres.
INEC Strengthens Youth Ambassadors Initiative
The INEC Youth Ambassadors Initiative, established in 2014, is intended to connect the electoral commission with young Nigerians through influential figures who can promote voter education, civic responsibility and responsible digital engagement.
The nine ambassadors unveiled at the Abuja ceremony were drawn from the entertainment, advocacy and public-engagement sectors.
They include Amal Umar, Christopher Yohanna (Uncle CY), Alex Kool Ibeh (Mr Kool), Mike Godson, Emmanuel Ikubese, Seun Ajayi, Ibrahim Tukur Bello (Disability Is Not Inability), Sunday Agbaji and Thompson Ukeki.
The investiture featured the presentation of certificates, plaques and ambassadorial mufflers, as well as an oath of commitment.
INEC Warns Against Electoral Misinformation
National Commissioner and Chairman of the Outreach and Partnership Committee, Prof. Kunle Ajayi, urged the ambassadors to help tackle the spread of false electoral information online.
He encouraged them to verify information before sharing it, particularly as political activities increase ahead of the 2027 elections.
Representatives of the Ministry of Youth Development and the National Orientation Agency also urged the ambassadors to promote peaceful participation, civic responsibility and electoral integrity while discouraging electoral violence and manipulation.
Director of the Gender and Inclusivity Department, Lakunuya Dorothy Bello, said the initiative was being strengthened ahead of the 2027 elections to reach first-time and young voters through platforms they regularly use.
What the 9.3 Million Youth Registrations Mean for 2027
The 9,324,349 youth registrations represent a significant addition to Nigeria’s voter registration pool, but registration alone does not determine election-day turnout.
The impact of the new registrations will depend on factors including PVC collection, voter education, participation and the overall conduct of the 2027 elections.
INEC has positioned the Youth Ambassadors Initiative as part of its broader effort to improve voter education and encourage young Nigerians to participate responsibly in the electoral process.
With millions of new young voters now registered, youth participation is expected to remain a major focus of political parties, electoral stakeholders and civil society organisations as Nigeria moves towards the 2027 general elections. For more updates, follow us on X.
