2027: NYSC DG Warns Corps Members Against Political Campaign
Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps warned corps members against political campaigning and spreading misinformation.
- Corps members were urged to remain politically neutral and verify information before sharing it on social media, especially given AI-generated content.
- The NYSC DG highlighted the important role corps members will play in the 2027 elections as ad hoc electoral staff and encouraged them to embrace the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development program.
National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Director-General Brig. Gen. Olakunle Nafiu has cautioned corps members against engaging in political campaigns and disseminating misinformation. During a visit to the orientation camp in Katsina, Nafiu stressed the importance of political neutrality, warning that using NYSC identity or social media for political promotion would result in appropriate action.
Nafiu also advised corps members to be vigilant about the spread of misinformation and AI-generated content online. He urged them to verify information, check sources, and determine if content has been manipulated by artificial intelligence, noting the increasing difficulty in distinguishing genuine from fake materials. "Donโt just share or repost blindly. Think through what you receive. Verify the source, check when the picture was taken and determine whether it has been manipulated by AI," he stated.
As corps members, you are not permitted to campaign for any political party or candidate. If your social media activities are traced to political promotion while wearing the NYSC identity, appropriate action will be taken.
The NYSC chief emphasized the significant role corps members are expected to play in the upcoming 2027 elections, as many will serve as ad hoc electoral personnel. He described this as a crucial opportunity for them to contribute to Nigeria's democracy by ensuring credible, free, and fair elections. Additionally, Nafiu encouraged corps members to utilize the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development program, highlighting the growing importance of vocational and entrepreneurial skills in the current economy.
Katsina State NYSC Coordinator Evans Okwor reported that 1,333 corps members were registered for the orientation exercise. He also noted the participation of 363 camp officials and adequate medical support, with 783 corps members and 40 officials having received medical attention.
Donโt just share or repost blindly. Think through what you receive. Verify the source, check when the picture was taken and determine whether it has been manipulated by AI. Technology has changed the information space completely.
Originally published by ThisDay. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.