The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has appointed Nigerian Nollywood movie producer and cultural entrepreneur, Amb. Thompson Ukeki, as an *INEC Youth Ambassador*, as part of efforts to strengthen youth engagement and encourage responsible participation in Nigeria’s electoral process.
The appointment and inauguration took place in *Abuja*, where Ukeki received his ambassadorial responsibilities and called on Nigerian youths to become active participants in the country’s democratic process.
Speaking to newsmen during his inauguration, Amb. Ukeki described the appointment as both an honour and a major responsibility.
“This new appointment as INEC Youth Ambassador comes with another responsibility. It is a responsibility to encourage Nigerian youths to understand the importance of their participation in our democracy.”
Ukeki urged eligible Nigerian youths to obtain and safeguard their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and participate peacefully in elections.
He encouraged youths to vote for *the candidates of their own choice*, stressing that the future of Nigeria depends on citizens taking part in the democratic process.
“Nigeria Is Our Home”
The newly inaugurated Youth Ambassador said Nigerian youths should see the country as their collective home and take responsibility for contributing to its development.
> “Nigeria is our home. I want to use this opportunity to urge all Nigerian youths to come out and vote for their favourite candidates during elections.”
Using the analogy of a house, Ukeki said citizens must take responsibility for improving their country.
> “When your home is dirty, the only way your house can be clean is with your own hands. So, please, let us use our hands to clean Nigeria.”
Reject Vote-Selling and Political Thuggery
Ukeki also appealed to young Nigerians not to allow themselves to be used for electoral violence or political thuggery because of money.
He urged youths to participate in elections through peaceful voting, civic engagement and constructive communication rather than selling their votes or allowing themselves to be recruited for violence.
> “Let us come out and vote—not just voting, but communicating and allowing ourselves to be heard. We must not allow ourselves to be used as thugs or become vote sellers because of money.”
He encouraged young Nigerians to verify electoral information, understand the voting process and exercise their rights peacefully.
INEC Youth Engagement
The appointment comes as INEC intensifies efforts to engage young Nigerians ahead of the 2027 general elections. Recent reports on the inauguration of Youth Ambassadors said the initiative is intended to strengthen communication with young people, promote voter awareness, peaceful participation and responsible citizenship. Amb. Thompson Ukeki was among the nine ambassadors named in those reports.
INEC’s current election calendar lists the Presidential and House of Assembly elections for January 16, 2027.
The Commission’s official voter portal also allows registered voters to check their PVC status and locate collection centres.
A Call for Responsible Youth Participation*
Ukeki’s message to young Nigerians is that political participation should go beyond election day. He urged youths to stay informed, engage peacefully, respect the choices of fellow citizens and reject electoral violence, vote-selling and manipulation.
He called on Nigerian youths to use their numbers and influence positively in building a peaceful, united and democratic Nigeria.
> Our future is in our hands. Let us use our hands to build and clean Nigeria. Let us participate peacefully, vote according to our conscience and support democracy.”
