The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reiterated its commitment to strengthening collaboration with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and ensuring better support for corps members deployed for election duties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, gave the assurance during a visit to the NYSC National Directorate Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, where discussions centred on improving the welfare, safety, and operational efficiency of corps members serving as ad hoc staff during elections.
Yakubu restated INEC’s commitment to sustaining its long-standing partnership with the NYSC, noting that corps members have remained a critical pillar in the conduct of credible elections across the country since 1999.
The engagement comes amid renewed calls by the Director-General of the NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, for improved welfare packages, prompt payment of insurance claims, and enhanced medical support for corps members who may suffer injuries or lose their lives while on election duty.
Nafiu also urged INEC to ensure early release of deployment lists for corps members selected for election assignments, saying this would allow adequate preparation ahead of polling day.
Responding, INEC reaffirmed its readiness to continue working closely with the NYSC, with emphasis on strengthening logistics, training coordination, and welfare considerations for corps members involved in electoral processes.
The electoral body also commended the NYSC for its consistent role in supporting Nigeria’s democratic process and described corps members as reliable, neutral, and digitally capable personnel essential for credible elections.
INEC further assured that lessons from recent off-cycle elections would be applied to improve future operations, particularly in the areas of security coordination and election-day logistics.
Both institutions expressed optimism that the partnership would be further strengthened ahead of the 2027 general elections and other upcoming off-cycle polls.
