Adebayo Adenrele
As the June 20,2026 gubernatorial election gather momentum in Ekiti State, the Youth Assembly of Nigeria (YAN), Ekiti State Assembly has called on the youths across the state to desist from vote-buying and be advocates for violence-free electoral processes.
The Speaker of the Ekiti Assembly, Ayomide Oluwatosin gave this advice over the weekend in Ado-Ekiti during a Youth Dialogue themed: ‘Elections Without Violence: The Responsibility of Ekiti Youths’.
Speaking with journalists, Oluwatosin explained that elections should be seen as a civic responsibility rather than a battlefield, calling on youths to be ambassadors of peace rather than purveyors and tools of thuggery.
He said the initiative was designed to educate and properly guide young people on their roles in sustaining democracy, without resorting to violence ballot snatching and other forms of malpractice that can destroy the pillars of good governance.
His words, “Today’s programme is very important to us as young people. The theme, “Elections Without Violence: The Responsibility of Ekiti Youths,” reminds us that elections are not a fight or a war. Elections are a civic duty. They are a time to choose leaders peacefully and responsibly.
“As youths, we must understand that the future of Ekiti State is in our hands. Violence destroys dreams, opportunities, and communities. But peace builds progress, unity, and development.
“At this crucial time as we approach the elections, we believe it is important to sensitize our youths about the electoral process. Elections are a responsibility, not a war. This program is aimed at educating and sanitizing the process. We must not engage in ballot snatching or any form of malpractice.
“As we go into the election, which is already peaceful, we have a governor who is peaceful and doing a lot. I urge our youths to remain peaceful, avoid spreading misinformation, and work with INEC and security agencies to achieve a free and fair election”.
The Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji, represented by his Special Assistant on Youth Development, Olu-Ajayi Maxwell, expressed confidence that the state will not witness violence, hooliganism, or any form of electoral unrest in the forthcoming election.
He also warned against vote-buying and other practices capable of undermining the integrity of the electoral process, urging young people to serve as peace ambassadors before, during and after the polls.
On her part, the Director General of Ekiti State Bureau of Community Communication, Mary Omotosho described Ekiti as home to a politically conscious and responsible generation of young people.
According to her, consistent engagement of young people by the administration of Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji has fostered a sense of belonging and strengthened confidence in democratic governance.
Addressing concerns over vote buying, Omotosho argued that inducement often thrives where citizens feel disconnected from governance, stressing said many youths have openly endorsed the governor even before party primaries without demanding incentives, which according to her reduces the likelihood of monetary inducement.
In his keynote address, the Project Cordinator of Ekiti RAAMP, Sunday Adunmo, represented by his Press Office, O’seun Ogunsakin urged the youths to use their voices to foster a peaceful electoral process , saying democracy is not a spectator sports but a system that requested active participation, responsibility and commitment to peace.
A Chieftain of All Progressive Congress (APC) in the State, Tope Ogunleye reaffirmed his commitment to youth empowerment and development, describing his involvement as a call to service.
On vote buying, he observed that while the practice is not new in Nigeria, the forthcoming Ekiti election could mark a departure from the norm, saying inducement becomes unnecessary when voters genuinely believe in a candidate.
Also speaking, the Senior Special Adviser to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State on Signage and Advertisement, Yomi Oyekan advised youths to become instruments of development rather than tools for chaos.
He cautioned that any leader who only mobilizes young people during periods of violence is exploiting them, stressing that true leadership involves engaging youths in strategic development initiatives.
Aiyedatiwa’s Aide encouraged youths to cultivate alternative sources of livelihood and resist viewing politics as a quick means of financial gain. urging them to educate their families and communities that selling votes amounts to mortgaging their future.
The Chief Executive Officer of Debo Autos, Gbadebo Makanjuola Bayefine described the programme as a timely enlightenment initiative aimed at correcting the long-held perception of politics as a ‘do-or-die’ affair.
He urged the youths to serve as ambassadors of peace within their communities and to extend the message of responsible electoral conduct to others.
Another key highlight of the event were presentation of awards of excellence to trailblazers who have impacted greatly to humanity.
The Awardees included: Ekiti Commissioner for Youths, Adesola Gold Adedayo, DG, Ekiti Bureau of Community Communication, Mary Oso-Omotosho, SSA to Ondo Governor on Signage and Advertisement, Yomi Oyekan, Chairman of Irepodun/Ifelodun LG, Gbenga Oluwatuyi, Chieftain of All Progressive Congress (APC) in the State, Tope Ogunleye, CEO of Dunamis World, Bimbo Erinfolami, CEO of CC Event, Constanchem Dada, CEO of Debo Autos, Gbadebo Makanjuola Bayefine and CEO of T-Sketch Studies, Alao Babatunde.
