ROADMAP TO 2027 ELECTIONS ‼️ NANS JCC Enugu launches A Statewide sensitization campaign against Electoral violence, thuggery and electoral malpractice to 15 Campuses Across the State

Enugu — The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Joint Campus Council, Enugu State Chapter, through the Office of the Director of Internal Security, in collaboration with the Office of the Director of Special Duties, has unveiled a statewide students’ sensitization and electoral responsibility campaign ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The campaign, themed “STUDENTS ASSETS; NOT THUGS,” is designed to engage students across tertiary institutions in Enugu State on peaceful, lawful and responsible participation in the democratic process.

According to the concept behind the initiative, young people remain important stakeholders in Nigeria’s democratic development, but electoral periods can also expose students and other youths to recruitment for activities such as political thuggery, intimidation, vote buying, ballot-box snatching, destruction of electoral materials and other forms of electoral malpractice.

The NANS JCC Enugu State Chapter said the campaign seeks to challenge the narrative that young people are valuable to political actors primarily for their ability to mobilize crowds or participate in disruptive activities.

Instead, students are being encouraged to recognize their potential as future legislators, policymakers, administrators, political leaders, professionals and community builders.

“Students Are Assets, Not Political Weapons”

The central message of the campaign is that a student's political value should not be measured by their willingness to engage in violence or electoral disruption.

The initiative will encourage students to participate in politics through legitimate democratic channels, including voting, peaceful advocacy, political education, leadership and constructive engagement with public institutions.

Among the key messages of the campaign are:

Your future is bigger than election violence.

Use your vote; don't sell your future.

Students are assets, not political weapons.

A young person who can campaign can also lead.

Your political participation should create opportunities—not destroy your future.

Campaign to Reach Tertiary Institutions Across Enugu

The proposed statewide campaign will involve physical outreach to selected tertiary institutions across Enugu State, alongside radio and television engagements, social media advocacy, print publications and student leadership engagements.

Institutions identified for the proposed outreach include ESUT, IMT Enugu, UNN, UNEC, ESPOLY, FUAHSE, Federal College of Education Oji River, ESCET, Peaceland College of Education, Coal City University, Godfrey Okoye University, Federal College of Education Eha-Amufu and SUMAS, among other designated campuses.

The final itinerary is expected to be harmonized with relevant school authorities and student leadership structures.

Multi-Platform Sensitization

The campaign will combine direct campus engagement with digital and traditional media strategies.

NANS officials and trained volunteers are expected to conduct sensitization talks, interactive sessions, question-and-answer sessions and engagements with student leaders.

The digital campaign will utilize platforms including Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, X, TikTok and YouTube, with educational videos, graphics, interviews, testimonials and other civic-awareness content.

Radio and television platforms will also be explored to extend the campaign beyond tertiary institutions and reach the wider youth population.

Building Student Peace Ambassadors

Another component of the initiative is the development of a network of student volunteers who can serve as ambassadors for peaceful and responsible electoral participation.

The organizers also plan to engage Student Union Government executives, faculty and departmental leaders, campus media organizations, youth groups and other relevant stakeholders in sustaining the campaign's message.

The initiative is expected to contribute to increased awareness of electoral responsibilities, greater understanding of the consequences of electoral malpractice, peaceful democratic participation and stronger interest in legitimate youth participation in governance.

Three-Phase Implementation

The campaign is structured into three major phases.

Phase One will focus on planning, institutional engagement, volunteer orientation, production of campaign materials and publicity.

Phase Two will involve the statewide campus outreach, including physical visits, student sensitization, distribution of educational materials, media engagements and documentation.

Phase Three will focus on post-campaign follow-up, continued digital sensitization, monitoring of student ambassadors and preparation of a consolidated campaign report.

₦2.8 Million Estimated Campaign Budget

The preliminary estimated budget for the statewide initiative stands at ₦2.8 million, covering transportation, refreshments, campaign T-shirts, banners and other publicity materials, radio/television publicity, digital communication, logistics and documentation.

The organizers noted that the figures remain preliminary and may be adjusted following quotations from vendors, transportation providers and media organizations.

Call for Stakeholder Partnership

The NANS JCC Enugu State Chapter is seeking collaboration and support from government institutions, electoral stakeholders, security agencies, educational institutions, student unions, civil society organizations, media organizations, private-sector organizations, philanthropists and youth-focused organizations.

Support may include financial assistance, media airtime, transportation, campaign materials, refreshments and other forms of technical or logistical support.

The campaign will be coordinated and documented by the Office of the Director of Internal Security, in collaboration with the Office of the Director of Special Duties, with attendance records, photographs, videos, media reports, social media publications, student feedback and institutional reports forming part of the monitoring process.

As the 2027 electoral cycle approaches, the organizers say the central message remains clear:

 STUDENTS ASSETS; NOT THUGS.

Your future is bigger than an election.

Your voice is more powerful than violence.

Your education is an asset.

Your leadership potential is an investment in the future of Nigeria.

Prepared by:

Office of the Director of Internal Security

NANS JCC Enugu State Chapter

In Collaboration With:

Office of the Director of Special Duties

NANS JCC Enugu State Chapter