2023: Nigerian youths will determine the elections

As the 2023 general election continue to gather momentum, the Committee of Youth on Mobilization and Sensitization (CYMS) has restated that youth participation in the electoral process is key to determining the success of the exercise.

The group gave the indication at an election stakeholders conference on Thursday, in Abuja.

The theme of the stakeholders conference is “Youth participation ahead of 2023 general elections”.

In his address, the Director General of CYMS, Comrade Obinna Nwaka, explained that youths are indispensable in electoral processes considering their involvement in policy formulation and implementation.

He urged young people to reposition their minds from involving in negative vices and focus on electing quality leaders in the next general elections.

According to him, youths should refuse to be used as tools for vote- buying and financial inducements during elections, thuggery, violence and disruption of electoral process, acrimonious campaigns and attacks, including unethical and undemocratic statement during campaign.

He said ” The faith of who leads us will not be determined by religion or ethnicity, only the youth will determine who wins in 2023 elections irrespective of political parties. So we need to be engaging ourselves and it’s high time we realize that we are the major stakeholders, political godfathers of politicians and shall determine the fate of this great nation.

“Collectively, leaders and election stakeholders must also be engaging the youth as in policy formulation, good governance, integration and dialogue to prepare them for leadership, sustainability of cultural heritage, social and economic values”.

Comrade Nwaka further called on politicians and their supporters to adhere to the Electoral Acts guiding the conduct of the elections.

“We are all aware that the seasons of political coordination, campaigns and other activities will soon commence following the INEC guidelines, however, we want to utilize this wonderful medium to appeal to political parties, candidates and it’s supporters not to fault the INEC guidelines as we enter into the main building of the election,” he stated.

He enjoined Nigerian youths to begin to create awareness on the importance of the election, the use of Continuous Voters Registration and PVCs, so that sizable number of youths will be involved in the exercise.

CYMS DG however charged stakeholders to give young people attention, responsibility and sense of belonging in preparation for the 2023 general elections.