The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (National Youth Service Corps), Brig.-Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, has warned corps members to steer clear of partisan political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections, stressing the need to preserve the scheme’s long-standing neutrality.

Nafiu 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.

He cautioned corps members against attending political campaign rallies or engaging in any activity that could suggest alignment with any political party, noting that such actions could damage the credibility of the NYSC.

READ MORE: Why NYSC Stopped Orientation Exercise for Corps Members in Niger State

According to him, the reputation of the scheme has been built over decades of political neutrality, which has made corps members trusted participants in national elections under the Independent National Electoral Commission (Independent National Electoral Commission).

“And since 1999, we have continued to strengthen our democratic process season after season. We are going into another electioneering season, and campaigns will soon begin. Don’t go to campaign grounds as a corps member,” he said.

The NYSC boss further warned corps members against wearing official uniforms or insignia to political gatherings, saying such appearances could easily be misinterpreted by the public.

“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,’” he cautioned.

Nafiu stressed that Nigerians and the international community have continued to trust corps members during elections because of their neutrality, adding that this trust must not be compromised.

He also urged corps members to become agents of positive change in society rather than passive critics, encouraging them to embrace discipline, hard work, and meaningful engagement.

In addition, he advised them to reduce excessive use of social media and focus on productive activities such as entrepreneurship and networking.

In a lighter moment, the DG announced the donation of a cow to the orientation camp community, which drew cheers from corps members.

Earlier, the Gombe State NYSC Coordinator, Chinwe Nwachukwu, disclosed that 1,349 corps members—comprising 649 males and 700 females—had been registered for the orientation exercise.

She noted that the corps members had adapted well to camp life and were actively participating in skills acquisition programmes, while also highlighting security measures, including aerial drone surveillance by the Nigerian Air Force 109 Combat Reconnaissance Group.

However, she listed challenges affecting the camp, including erratic electricity supply, heavy dependence on generators, and lack of a multipurpose hall.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has assured residents that ongoing development projects across Abuja will continue uninterrupted despite growing political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Wike gave the assurance on Tuesday during the flag-off of the construction of service carriageways of the Southern Parkway, from Arterial Road S20 (Oladipo Diya Way) to Ring Road II, as part of projects being inaugurated to mark President Bola Tinubu’s third year in office.

SEE ALSO: ‘You Can’t Fool Nigerians Anymore’ — Wike Blasts ADC, NDC

The minister said the FCT Administration remains focused on transforming the nation’s capital in line with the directives of President Bola Tinubu, stressing that politics would not derail the administration’s development agenda.

Addressing concerns over whether new projects would still be initiated as political campaigns begin to gather momentum, Wike said the government would continue to prioritize infrastructure development.

“Today is our 10th day of commissioning projects, and today was specifically selected because so many people have been asking questions: ‘Are you saying that after commissioning these projects, now that we are going into politics, there will be no more projects to embark upon?’” he said.

“We say no. Politics or no politics, we must continue to do that which Mr President has directed, to make sure that we change the entire landscape of the Federal Capital Territory.”

Wike expressed confidence that Abuja would undergo a remarkable transformation before the end of Tinubu’s first tenure in office.

“Let me clearly say that by the time Mr President finishes his first tenure on May 29, 2027, and before he is sworn in as President in his second tenure, the landscape of Abuja will entirely change to the glory of God,” he stated.

According to the minister, the various road and infrastructure projects being executed across the Federal Capital Territory are designed to improve infrastructure, ease transportation challenges, stimulate economic growth, and enhance the quality of life for residents.

President Tinubu was represented at the event by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda.

The Southern Parkway project is one of several road and infrastructure developments currently being undertaken by the FCT Administration under Wike’s leadership.

The projects form part of broader efforts to modernise Abuja and position the city as a world-class capital.

The event was also part of the ongoing commissioning of projects marking President Tinubu’s third anniversary in office, with the FCT Administration highlighting its commitment to sustained development regardless of the political climate.

Wike maintained that governance and service delivery would remain the administration’s priority, assuring residents that more projects would be initiated and completed in the coming months despite preparations for the 2027 elections.

President Bola Tinubu has transmitted a Constitution Alteration Bill to the Senate seeking the establishment of state police across Nigeria, in what is being described as a major step toward restructuring the country’s internal security framework.

The proposed bill aims to amend relevant sections of the 1999 Constitution to provide legal backing for the creation of state-controlled police forces in addition to the existing federal policing system.

SEE MORE: Obi Calls for Tinubu’s Resignation Over ‘Failure in Governance’ After UK PM Exit

The reform is intended to decentralise security operations and improve rapid response to growing security challenges across different regions.

According to the proposal, state governments will be empowered to establish and manage their own police commands, with oversight structures expected to be defined through constitutional provisions and supporting laws.

The move comes amid rising concerns over insecurity, including terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping in several parts of the country.

The administration has repeatedly argued that a centralised policing system is no longer sufficient to address Nigeria’s complex security realities.

Tinubu had earlier called on the National Assembly to consider constitutional amendments that would enable state policing, describing it as a necessary step toward strengthening grassroots security management.

The proposal has already gained momentum within the National Assembly, where lawmakers have been working on various constitutional amendment bills aimed at decentralising policing powers.

The Senate is expected to deliberate on the bill in an emergency plenary session, as the proposal continues to generate nationwide debate on the future of policing and security in Nigeria.

Details later……….