ECOWAS to deploy youth election observers for Nigeria’s 2027 polls

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) plans to deploy youth election observers for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections. This initiative aims to increase young people's involvement in democratic processes and electoral monitoring across the region.

Serigne Mamadou Ka, Head of the ECOWAS Electoral Assistance Division, announced the plan in Abuja during an event organized by the Peering Advocacy and Advancement Centre in Africa (PAACA) and Legis360. The youth observer model has already been piloted in Côte d’Ivoire and Benin, with upcoming deployments planned for Cabo Verde and The Gambia.

Ka noted that young people face significant hurdles to political participation, identifying lack of access to finance as a primary obstacle. Other barriers include inadequate training, social and cultural constraints, gender bias, and limited opportunities within political parties.