The Corpers’ Journey Advocacy Network (CJAN) and the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) have called for comprehensive security measures to protect National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members and ensure a credible electoral process ahead of Saturday’s Ekiti State governorship election.
The call was made by Ambassador Taiwo Ajayi, Founder of CJAN and Director of Youth Policy and Advocacy of the NYCN, who urged security agencies and electoral authorities to prioritize the safety of corps members serving as ad-hoc staff for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
With over one million registered voters expected to participate in the election, Ajayi described corps members as a critical component of Nigeria’s democratic process and stressed that their welfare and security must not be compromised.
“Corps members are the structural backbone of Nigeria’s electoral integrity. As they step out to serve the nation in Ekiti, their security cannot be treated as an afterthought,” he said.
Ajayi called on the Inspector-General of Police, the Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, and other security agencies to ensure adequate deployment of personnel across polling units, Registration Area Centres (RACs), and collation centres throughout the election period.
The youth coalition demanded a zero-tolerance approach to voter intimidation and electoral violence, insisting that security personnel remain vigilant from accreditation through result collation and transmission.
CJAN and NYCN also urged INEC to ensure the prompt payment of election allowances and provide adequate logistical support for corps members and other ad-hoc staff deployed for the exercise.
The groups further called for enhanced security during post-election result collation, particularly during late-night movements between polling units and local government collation centres.
Beyond election-day concerns, Ajayi challenged political leaders and candidates to focus on policies that address youth unemployment, economic inclusion, and skills development.
He advocated the establishment of an Ekiti Graduate Placement Scheme to facilitate employment opportunities for outgoing corps members and the expansion of digital innovation hubs to support young entrepreneurs and technology-driven enterprises across the state.
Speaking on the role of young voters, Ajayi warned against vote-buying and other forms of electoral inducement.
“The youth vote is not for sale. Young people in Ekiti are voting for development, economic opportunities, accountability, and a secure future—not temporary handouts,” he stated.
According to the organisations, independent youth observers have been deployed across the state’s 177 wards to monitor compliance with electoral guidelines, voter participation, and the safety of election personnel.
The groups also appealed to residents of Ekiti State to remain peaceful and law-abiding throughout the electoral process while supporting efforts to ensure a free, fair, and credible governorship election.