The Director General of the National Youth Service Corps, Brigadier General Nafi’u Olakunle, has asked corps members to remain neutral and apolitical as political campaigns for the 2027 general elections commence nationwide.

🇳🇬 Here's What Happened

The DG spoke on Thursday while visiting the 2026 Batch ‘B’ Stream II corps members posted to Jigawa State who are currently undergoing the mandatory three-week orientation course at the Yakubu Gowon NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Fanisau, Dutse.

The charge comes at a time when political activities are gradually heating up across the country, following the lifting of the ban on campaigns for the 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

Addressing the corps members at the camp, Olakunle said the NYSC scheme was established as a unifying platform and must not be dragged into partisan politics by any corps member.

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He said, “You must remain neutral and apolitical at all times. Do not allow yourselves to be used as political thugs or agents for any politician or political party. Your loyalty is to Nigeria, not to any party.”

The DG warned that any corps member found engaging in partisan politics, campaigning for candidates or posting political materials on social media would face strict disciplinary action in line with the NYSC Bye-laws.

He reminded them that the scheme’s mandate of fostering national unity and integration could only be achieved if corps members respected the rules, regulations and oath of allegiance they swore to.

Olakunle also advised the corps members to be security conscious, respect the culture and tradition of their host communities and shun social vices such as cybercrime, drug abuse and unauthorised journeys.

According to him, the three weeks orientation course was designed to instill discipline, leadership and entrepreneurship in them (corps members), urging them to take the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development, SAED, programme seriously.

He said, “The white-collar jobs are no longer available. Use this opportunity to learn a skill that will make you self-reliant after service, instead of waiting for government jobs.”

📰 Source: Punch Nigeria