NYSC Director-General Warns Corps Members to Avoid Partisan Politics Ahead of 2027 Elections

The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig.-Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, has issued a strong warning to corps members to steer clear of partisan politics as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections. Nafiu delivered the caution on Tuesday during a town hall meeting with 2026 Batch 'B' Stream I corps members at the temporary NYSC orientation camp in Amada, Akko Local Government Area of Gombe State, emphasizing that the institution's credibility and integrity must not be compromised.

Nafiu stressed that the NYSC's reputation since the return of democracy in 1999 has been anchored on neutrality, discipline, and non-partisanship. He specifically cautioned corps members against attending political rallies or campaign grounds and warned against wearing NYSC uniforms or insignia at political gatherings, noting that such appearances could be easily misinterpreted as institutional bias. "If I grab you with this face cap, this crested vest, this white-on-white and this khaki at a campaign ground and they capture you, the headline will be: 'NYSC aligns with XYZ party.' Your explanation will not be satisfactory. NYSC is apolitical. We do not align with any political party," he stated.

The NYSC boss emphasized that corps members have earned national and international trust over 53 years, particularly in their role as ad hoc staff for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) during elections. He warned against any actions that could damage this hard-earned reputation during the upcoming election season. Beyond political neutrality, Nafiu urged corps members to embrace hard work, personal development, and meaningful relationships while reducing excessive social media use. He also challenged them to become agents of positive change rather than passive critics, advising them to "believe in yourself and run your race."

The Gombe State NYSC Coordinator, Chinwe Nwachukwu, reported that 1,349 corps members—649 males and 700 females—had been registered for the orientation exercise. She noted that corps members had adapted well to camp life and were actively participating in Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development programmes while demonstrating discipline. Security measures at the camp include aerial drone surveillance provided by the Nigerian Air Force 109 Combat Reconnaissance Group.

However, Nwachukwu highlighted operational challenges at the temporary camp, including inadequate electricity supply with heavy reliance on generators, absence of a multipurpose hall, and damage to facilities from overuse. In a gesture that drew cheers from corps members, Nafiu announced a donation of a cow to the camp community, encouraging them to use it for preparing meals such as pepper soup or suya.