Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps, urged corps members to avoid partisan politics and remain apolitical [1].

The directive aims to protect the neutrality of the national service scheme as Nigeria prepares for its upcoming general elections. Because corps members are deployed across various states, their involvement in political campaigning could compromise the organization's non-partisan mandate.

Nafiu addressed the members at orientation camps located in Kubwa within the Federal Capital Territory and Keffi in Nasarawa State [2]. He said the importance of maintaining a neutral stance ensures the corps does not become a tool for political interests during the lead-up to the 2027 national elections [1].

This warning comes amid a broader pattern of government officials cautioning youth volunteers against political interference. In a similar vein, Governor Adeleke urged the 2026 Batch ‘A’ Stream II members to remain neutral [3]. This specific caution was tied to the Osun governorship election scheduled for Aug. 15, 2026 [3].

The Director-General also highlighted the need for the responsible use of social media [2]. By avoiding partisan activities, the leadership believes corps members can better focus on their primary objective of community service, and national integration.

Nafiu said that maintaining this distance from political factions is essential for the stability of the service. The orientation camps in Kubwa and Keffi serve as primary hubs for these briefings before members are deployed to their final stations across the country [2].

“Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu urged corps members to avoid partisan politics and remain apolitical.”

The NYSC's emphasis on neutrality reflects the sensitive nature of youth mobilization in Nigeria. By explicitly forbidding partisan activities ahead of the 2027 elections and the August 2026 Osun vote, the agency is attempting to prevent the state-funded service from being weaponized by political parties for grassroots campaigning.