By Emmanuel Oloniruha
A youth-led group has launched a nationwide initiative to recruit and train 300,000 volunteers to help curb electoral violence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The initiative, Youth Electoral Guards Observers (YEGO), is a flagship programme of Nigeria Youth Policy Development Advocacy (NYPD-Advocacy), Nigeria Youths in Politics and other partners.
Mr Blessing Oyefeso, Chairman of YEGO National Stakeholders Steering Committee and Lead Convener, unveiled the initiative’s application portal in Abuja on Thursday.
He said the programme would mobilise young Nigerians to play active roles in safeguarding the electoral process.
Oyefeso said the initiative was based on the belief that young people should not only participate in elections as voters, candidates or political actors, but also take ownership of the process.
He said the initiative followed a National Voting Intention Survey which found that about 61 per cent of Nigerians might abstain from voting in 2027 because of fear of political violence, while 34 per cent lacked trust in the electoral umpire.
“This finding can further be verified by recent activities of political thuggery, intimidation and violence in Benue, Delta, and some other parts of Nigeria.
“To address these challenges requires more than conventional election day observation.
“The electoral umpire must prove to the electorate of its capacity to secure the environment before and during general election through a coordinated and responsive action,” he said.
Oyefeso said YEGO would operate an Early Warning Rapid Response Mechanism (ERARM), enabling trained volunteers nationwide to identify, document, verify and track electoral risks and incidents in real time.
He added that verified information would be shared with security agencies to facilitate swift intervention and ensure perpetrators and sponsors of electoral violence were brought to justice.
“Let me emphasise that YEGO does not seek to replace INEC, the security agencies, accredited election observers, or any institution.
“Our intention is to complement their efforts through organised citizen observation, responsible reporting, and collaboration,” he said.
Oyefeso said applications had opened for the first 50,000 master trainers.
“We invite eligible and interested Nigerians to express their willingness to become part of this initiative and decide the fate of 2027 election.
“Our ambition is to build a substantial national network of Electoral Guards Observers, with a proposed mobilisation target of 300,000 volunteers nationwide.
“Achieving this ambition will require careful planning, effective coordination, adequate training, institutional support, and responsible management,” he said.
He clarified that submitting an application would not automatically qualify anyone for deployment, adding that applicants would undergo screening, profiling, onboarding and training.
Oyefeso urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and civil society organisations, including Man O’ War Nigeria and the Peace Corps of Nigeria, to support the initiative.
Usman Shagari, Vice- Chairman of YEGO National Stakeholders Steering Committee, said the initiative did not support any particular candidate or political party but sought to establish a structure for credible elections.
Hephzibah Suobo, a member of the YEGO Steering Committee, said the event marked another step towards strengthening youth participation in Nigeria’s electoral process.
Suobo urged citizens to observe elections responsibly, report truthfully and verify information carefully to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s democracy.
Representing the Nigeria Police, Deputy Inspector-General of Police Ibrahim Gidado said young people played vital roles in national development through lawful participation in the electoral process.
He pledged police collaboration with young people and other stakeholders to ensure a conducive environment before, during and after the 2027 general elections.
The National Commander of Man O’ War Nigeria, Adedamola Gbenga, pledged the organisation’s support for YEGO and urged other stakeholders to back the initiative.
Rachel Ikumapayi, FCT Commander of the Peace Corps of Nigeria, representing its National Commander, Dickson Akor, said YEGO sought to change negative perceptions of youth participation in elections.
“YEGO seeks to transform Nigerian youth from being perceived as electoral risks to becoming credible electoral guards and protectors of our democracy,” she said.
Ikumapayi advised the organisers to ensure the initiative was registered with INEC before the general elections.
Akor, represented by Deputy National Commandant for Training and Operations, Dr Oyemike Oyemike, stressed the need to promote patriotism and sensitise Nigerians, especially young people, against electoral violence.
He urged Nigerians to prioritise credible elections and competent leaders over financial inducements. (NAN)
Edited by Tosin Kolade
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