The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, has cautioned corps members against partisan political activities and the spread of unverified information as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections.
Nafiu issued the warning during his working visit to the 2026 Batch ‘B’ Stream II Orientation Course at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Katsina State. He urged corps members to maintain political neutrality throughout their service year and avoid using their NYSC identity or social media platforms to promote political parties or candidates.
“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,” Nafiu said.
The NYSC boss also raised concerns about the growing circulation of artificial intelligence-generated and digitally manipulated photographs and videos. He advised corps members to verify the source, date and authenticity of materials before sharing them online.
“You don’t 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 said.
The warning is important as social media is expected to play a major role in political campaigns, mobilisation and public debate ahead of the 2027 elections. The increasing availability of AI tools has also made it easier to create convincing but misleading images, videos and other forms of digital content.
Nafiu reminded corps members that many of them could be deployed as ad hoc electoral personnel during the 2027 elections. He urged them to view such assignments as an opportunity to contribute to credible and transparent elections rather than engage in partisan activities.
The NYSC has long maintained that the scheme is apolitical and expects members to uphold discipline, national unity and responsible conduct.
With political activities already gaining momentum, the latest directive underscores the importance of neutrality and digital responsibility among corps members who may have a direct role in Nigeria’s next electoral process.
