A youth-led organisation has launched a nationwide initiative to recruit and train 300,000 volunteers to help prevent electoral violence and promote credible elections ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.

The initiative, known as Youth Electoral Guards Observers (YEGO), is a flagship programme of Nigeria Youth Policy Development Advocacy (NYPD-Advocacy), Nigeria Youths in Politics and other partner organisations.

The programme was unveiled in Abuja on Thursday, 15 October 2026, by Blessing Oyefeso, Chairman of the YEGO National Stakeholders Steering Committee and Lead Convener, who also announced the opening of its application portal.

Oyefeso said the initiative was designed to mobilise young Nigerians to take an active role in safeguarding the electoral process and strengthening public confidence in democratic institutions.

He explained that young people should not be limited to participating in elections as voters, candidates or political actors, but should also assume greater responsibility for protecting the credibility of the electoral process.

According to him, the initiative was informed by findings from a National Voting Intention Survey, which indicated that approximately 61 per cent of Nigerians might abstain from voting in the 2027 elections because of fears of political violence, while 34 per cent expressed a lack of confidence in the electoral umpire.

Oyefeso said recent incidents of political thuggery, intimidation and violence in Benue, Delta and other parts of the country further highlighted the need for urgent intervention.

He maintained that addressing electoral violence would require more than conventional election-day observation, stressing the importance of proactive measures to identify and prevent potential threats.

“The electoral umpire must demonstrate to the electorate its capacity to secure the electoral environment before and during the general elections through coordinated and responsive action,” he said.

Oyefeso disclosed that YEGO would establish an Early Warning Rapid Response Mechanism (ERARM), through which trained volunteers across the country would identify, document, verify and monitor electoral risks and incidents in real time.

He explained that verified reports would be shared with relevant security agencies to facilitate prompt intervention and support efforts to bring perpetrators and sponsors of electoral violence to justice.

He emphasised that the initiative was not intended to duplicate or undermine the responsibilities of established electoral and security institutions.

“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 stated.

The YEGO convener also announced the commencement of applications for the first 50,000 master trainers, who would form part of the proposed nationwide volunteer network.

He encouraged eligible Nigerians to participate in the initiative and contribute towards ensuring peaceful and credible elections in 2027.

“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.

Oyefeso clarified that submitting an application would not automatically guarantee selection or deployment, as prospective volunteers would undergo screening, profiling, onboarding and appropriate training.

He appealed to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and civil society organisations, including Man O’ War Nigeria and the Peace Corps of Nigeria, to collaborate with YEGO in achieving its objectives.

Also speaking, Aminu Shagari, identified as Chairman of the YEGO National Stakeholders Steering Committee, stressed that the initiative was non-partisan and did not support any political party or candidate.

He said its primary objective was to establish a coordinated structure that would contribute to peaceful, transparent and credible elections.

A member of the YEGO Steering Committee, Professor Hephzibah Ebi, described the launch as an important step towards strengthening youth involvement in Nigeria’s democratic process.

Ebi urged Nigerians to demonstrate responsibility in election observation by reporting incidents accurately and verifying information before dissemination.

According to the professor, responsible citizen participation is essential to protecting the integrity of elections and strengthening democratic institutions.

Representing the Nigeria Police Force, Deputy Inspector-General of Police Ibrahim Gidado acknowledged the importance of young people in national development, particularly through lawful and constructive participation in electoral activities.

Gidado pledged the willingness of the police to collaborate with young Nigerians and other stakeholders to promote a peaceful and secure environment before, during and after the 2027 general elections.

The National Commander of Man O’ War Nigeria, Adedamola Gbenga, also expressed support for the initiative and encouraged relevant organisations and institutions to contribute towards its successful implementation.

Similarly, Rachel Ikumapayi, Federal Capital Territory Commander of the Peace Corps of Nigeria, who represented the organisation’s National Commander, Dickson Akor, said YEGO could help reshape public perceptions of young people's involvement 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 that the initiative obtained the necessary recognition and registration with INEC ahead of the general elections.

Akor, represented separately by the Deputy National Commandant for Training and Operations, Dr Oyemike Oyemike, emphasised the importance of patriotism, civic education and sustained public awareness campaigns against electoral violence.

He urged Nigerians, particularly young voters, to reject political inducements and place greater emphasis on credible elections, responsible leadership and the competence of candidates seeking public office.

The YEGO initiative is expected to provide a platform for organised youth participation in electoral monitoring, early warning and responsible incident reporting as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections.