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Edo guber: INEC, others urge youths to shun electoral malpractices

Youths in Edo State were advised on Tuesday not to be used to perpetuate electoral malpractice in the forthcoming governorship election in the state as the Independent National Electoral Commission held a one-day youth engagement programme in Benin.

The programme, according to INEC, was organised to sensitise the people, particularly youths in Edo State, on their roles in electoral processes in Nigeria.

Addressing the participants at the event, the State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Anubbum Onuoha, urged the youths to be actively involved in the September 21, 2024, governor election processes.

The REC, which was represented by Emmanuel Efeturhi Ogbodu, Administrative Secretary, Edo Office of INEC, explained that the electoral commission, INEC, attached great value to the participation of marginalised groups, including the youth, in electoral processes in the country.

According to Onuoha, “The commission’s major goal of its partnership with the young people is to strategically position them to better appreciate their stake as an important demographic and player in public space, capable of meaningful contributions to the democratic advancement of the nation.

In his goodwill message, Mr Osahon Woghiren, Edo State Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), condemned the youths for allowing themselves to be used as political thugs by desperate politicians.

“Some youths have been used as political thugs, being used to destroy electoral materials and buy votes, among others, he added.

Woghiren, who noted that it is time for the youths to stop being used negatively by the political class, urged them to shun all criminal tendencies and collaborate with INEC for the conduct of free, fair, and credible elections.

On her part, Mrs Ben-Ushie Ifeoma, State Director of NYSC, appealed to youths to avoid being used as agents of electoral malpractice or tools in electoral issues during elections.

Ushie Ifeoma, represented by Mrs. Okundia Iyobosa, NYSC Zonal Inspector, Oredo Local Government, reminded the youths that their vote is their voice and power to shape a brighter future for themselves and future generations.

She, however, encouraged the youths to ensure that all their actions were within the confines of the electoral laws as well as support candidates who shared their values.

Ushie Ifeoma said the NYSC has, in the past 12 years, partnered with INEC to ensure that elections are successful in the country.

She, however, urged the youths to harness their collective power and responsibility to create the needed positive change, noting that their innovative ideas, strength, and dedication can transform Edo State and Nigeria’s future.

In his remarks, Comrade Jude Obasanmi, who spoke for the youth group, advocated that youths should be given opportunities in Nigeria to help drive the process of good governance.

Other speakers who spoke at the event unanimously tasked the people with being agents of nation-building and shunning vices inimical to the growth and development of the country.

Those who spoke at the event were Dr. Anugbum Onuoha, the State INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, Mr. Osahon Woghiren, Edo State Director of the National Orientation Agency, NOA, and State Director of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, Mrs. Ben-Ushie Ifeoma.

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