2027 Poll: NYSC DG Tasks Corps Members On Neutrality

The director-general of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig.-Gen. Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, has asked corps members to be neutral, reject misinformation and prepare to contribute to credible elections ahead of the 2027 polls.

Nafiu gave the charge yesterday when he addressed the 2026 Batch ‘B’ Stream II corps members at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Katsina.

He warned them against using social media to promote political parties or candidates, stressing that the NYSC must remain apolitical as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.

The DG urged them to verify information, photographs and videos before sharing them, particularly because artificial intelligence has made it increasingly difficult to distinguish authentic content from manipulated material.

He said corps members were not permitted to campaign for political parties or candidates, warning that partisan activities could undermine public confidence in the NYSC’s neutrality.

Nafiu further encouraged the corps members to see their possible deployment as election officials as an opportunity to contribute to Nigeria’s democracy.

According to him, helping thousands of Nigerians to exercise their constitutional right to vote is a greater contribution to democracy than merely casting one’s personal ballot.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has projected that 1,414,768 corps members will be required as ad-hoc personnel for the 2027 general elections—707,384 for the presidential and National Assembly elections, and the same number for the governorship and State House of Assembly elections.

Nafiu said the corps members should therefore prepare themselves for the responsibility by demonstrating discipline, integrity, neutrality and commitment to national service.

He also urged them to make effective use of their service year by developing skills, building relationships and preparing for leadership responsibilities.

The NYSC boss said the orientation activities, including drills and Man O’ War exercises, were designed to instil discipline, teamwork, obedience, alertness and a sense of responsibility.

The Katsina orientation camp has 1,333 registered corps members, comprising 759 males and 574 females, according to the state NYSC coordinator.

Nafiu’s warning comes amid rising political activity ahead of the 2027 elections, with the NYSC previously reiterating that corps members must not engage in partisan politics or appear at campaign events in their NYSC uniforms.

The Director-General urged the corps members to protect the credibility and public trust attached to the NYSC by conducting themselves responsibly both offline and online.