The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig.-Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, has cautioned corps members against engaging in partisan politics as Nigeria moves closer to the 2027 general elections.
He gave the warning 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.
Nafiu stressed that the credibility and integrity of the NYSC scheme rest on its long-standing tradition of political neutrality, warning that any involvement in partisan activities could undermine public trust in the institution.
“Don’t go to campaign grounds as a corps member,” he said, noting that Nigeria’s democratic process depends heavily on the perceived neutrality of corps members, especially during elections.
He warned specifically against corps members attending political rallies in NYSC uniforms or insignia, saying such actions could be easily misinterpreted by the public and media 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 said.
The NYSC DG added that corps members have earned national trust over the years, particularly in their role as ad hoc staff for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and cautioned against anything that could damage that reputation.
“The country has known us for that for the past 53 years. 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,” he warned.
Nafiu urged corps members to focus on personal development, discipline and productive engagement, rather than political involvement or online distractions.
“You have a chance to make a difference. Always give people the benefit of the doubt. Believe in yourself and run your race,” he said.
He also advised them to reduce excessive use of social media and instead build entrepreneurial skills and meaningful relationships, stressing that national progress depends on youth productivity and responsibility.
In a lighter moment, the NYSC boss donated a cow to the camp community, drawing excitement from corps members.
“From the DG, you have a cow. Use it to make your pepper soup, your suya, or whatever you want to do with it,” he said.
Meanwhile, Gombe State NYSC Coordinator, Chinwe Nwachukwu, said 1,349 corps members—649 males and 700 females—had been registered for the orientation exercise.
She said the corps members had adapted well to camp activities and were actively participating in the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development programme, while also noting improvements in security, including aerial drone surveillance by the Nigerian Air Force.
However, she highlighted infrastructure challenges at the temporary camp, including poor electricity supply, heavy reliance on generators, and the absence of a multipurpose hall, which she said continued to affect operations.
