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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says more than 1.4 million members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) will be deployed as ad hoc staff for the 2027 general elections.
INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, disclosed this on Monday during a courtesy visit to the NYSC Director-General, Olakunle Nafiu, at the Yakubu Gowon House in Abuja.
Amupitan described the meeting with the NYSC management as more than a formal visit, saying it was an opportunity to appreciate the corps members’ longstanding contribution to Nigeria’s electoral process.
He noted that corps members had participated in virtually every election cycle since 1999 and stated that INEC could not successfully conduct elections in Nigeria without the NYSC.
According to him, corps members remain the backbone of the commission’s field operations, particularly as ad hoc personnel, because of their discipline, neutrality and commitment to national service.
He added that their presence at polling units has consistently strengthened public confidence in the electoral process.
“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.”
The INEC chairman explained that during the 2023 general elections, the commission deployed about 1.2 million ad hoc staff, with more than 70 per cent drawn from the NYSC and student volunteers.
Speaking on preparations for the 2027 elections, Amupitan said INEC would require 707,384 corps members for the presidential and National Assembly elections scheduled for January 16, 2027. He added that the same number would also be needed for the governorship and state assembly elections slated for February 6, 2027, bringing the total number of corps members required for both exercises to 1,414,768.
He further disclosed that an additional 52,446 corps members would be deployed for governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states, as well as bye-elections in Nasarawa, Enugu, Rivers, Ondo, Kebbi and Kano states.
“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.
“For the Ekiti State and Osun State governorship elections and the bye-elections in Nasarawa, Enugu, Rivers, Ondo, Kebbi and Kano states, we will need 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.
The INEC chairman credited corps members for supporting the effective deployment of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), describing them as the technology-driven backbone of Nigeria’s electoral system.
“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 said.
He noted that their contribution had come with significant risks and sacrifices, adding that the commission remained committed to improving their welfare and safety.
According to him, INEC would continue working with the NYSC and security agencies to strengthen safety protocols and ensure adequate insurance and welfare packages for corps members deployed during elections.
