As preparations intensify for the forthcoming governorship election in Ekiti State, the Youth Assembly of Nigeria, Ekiti State chapter, has urged young people to reject vote-buying and promote peaceful participation.
The Speaker of the Assembly, Ayomide Oluwatosin, gave the advice during a youth dialogue programme themed “Elections Without Violence: The Responsibility of Ekiti Youths.”
He said the dialogue was designed to educate youths on democratic responsibilities and discourage terrible practices like ballot snatching, thuggery and other electoral malpractices capable of undermining good governance.
Representing Governor Oyebanji, Olu-Ajayi Maxwell expressed confidence that the state would witness peaceful polls, while warning against inducement and actions that could threaten electoral credibility.
Similarly, the Director-General of the Ekiti State Bureau of Community Communication, Mary Omotosho, said the confidence of the youths has been strengthened through sustained engagement, adding that political awareness among young voters could potentially reduce vote-buying.
In his keynote address, Ekiti RAAMP Project Coordinator, Sunday Adunmo, alongside APC chieftain, Tope Ogunleye, encouraged youths to actively support peaceful elections, noting that genuine belief in candidates often eliminates the temptation of monetary inducement.
Yomi Oyekan, an aide of the Ondo State governor and Gbadebo Makanjuola Bayefine, a businessman further urged the youths to pursue productive ventures, resist political violence and serve as ambassadors of peace.
