The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (), Brig.-Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, has issued a strong warning to corps members across Nigeria, urging them to steer clear of partisan politics as the country gradually builds momentum toward 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 , stressing that the credibility of the national youth service scheme must not be compromised under any circumstances.
The NYSC boss reminded corps members that the scheme’s long-standing reputation since the return of democracy in 1999 has been anchored on neutrality, discipline, and non-partisanship, warning that any deviation could undermine public trust in the institution.
“And since 1999, we have continued to strengthen our democratic process season after season,” Nafiu said. “We are going into another electioneering season, and campaigns will soon begin. Don’t go to campaign grounds as a corps member.”
He issued a stern caution against the use of NYSC uniforms or identification materials at political gatherings, noting that even unintended appearances could damage the institution’s image and raise suspicions of political 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,’” he warned. “Your explanation will not be satisfactory. NYSC is apolitical. We do not align with any political party.”
Nafiu further emphasized that corps members remain a critical part of Nigeria’s electoral system, particularly through their roles as ad hoc staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), describing their neutrality as a cornerstone of national electoral credibility.
“The country has known us for that for the past 53 years,” he said. “Nigerians and the international community are comfortable seeing us serve as INEC ad hoc staff election after election because they trust us. Don’t spoil it in your time. We will not allow you to cross that line.”
The NYSC Director-General also challenged corps members to adopt a more proactive and constructive attitude toward national issues, urging them to contribute meaningfully rather than remain passive critics.
“You have a chance to make a difference,” he said. “When you sit on the sidelines and criticise, you don’t know what is actually happening on the pitch. Always give people the benefit of the doubt. Believe in yourself and run your race.”
Beyond political engagement, Nafiu advised corps members to embrace discipline, hard work, and personal development, while discouraging excessive reliance on social media distractions.
“This is not the time to be lazy. This is the time to work,” he said. “Cut down on unnecessary use of social media. If you are doing business on social media, fine. Create good content, make friends and nurture friendships. Nigeria is ours, Nigeria we serve.”
In a lighter moment that drew loud cheers from the camp, the NYSC boss announced a donation of a cow to the orientation camp community, encouraging corps members to enjoy it as part of their camp experience.
“From the DG, you have a cow,” he announced. “Use it to make your pepper soup, your suya, or whatever you want to do with it.”
Earlier, the Gombe State NYSC Coordinator, Chinwe Nwachukwu, disclosed that a total of 1,349 corps members—comprising 649 males and 700 females—had been registered for the 2026 Batch ‘B’ Stream I orientation exercise in the state.
She noted that the corps members had adapted well to camp life, actively participated in skills acquisition programmes, and demonstrated commendable discipline in their daily activities.
Nwachukwu, however, highlighted several operational challenges facing the temporary orientation camp, including inadequate infrastructure and logistical constraints.
She explained that the temporary nature of the camp often leads to difficulties in long-term planning, as facilities provided for orientation exercises frequently deteriorate or become unusable after repeated use.
“The temporary nature of the camp makes it very difficult to plan ahead,” she said. “Facilities provided after every orientation exercise are often vandalised or become unusable due to overuse.”
She also identified erratic electricity supply, dependence on generators, and the absence of a multipurpose hall as key infrastructural challenges affecting camp operations.
As preparations for the 2027 general elections intensify, Nafiu’s warning is seen as part of broader efforts by the NYSC leadership to safeguard the neutrality of one of Nigeria’s most trusted democratic institutions, while reinforcing discipline among young graduates serving the nation.
The message was clear: corps members must remain politically neutral, professionally focused, and committed to preserving the integrity of the NYSC as the country approaches another critical electoral cycle.
