As preparations intensify for the June 20, 2026 governorship election in Ekiti State, the Youth Assembly of Nigeria (YAN), Ekiti State Assembly, has urged young people across the state to reject vote-buying and champion a violence-free electoral process.
The Speaker of the Ekiti Assembly, Ayomide Oluwatosin, delivered the charge during a Youth Dialogue held in Ado‑Ekiti over the weekend. The forum was themed “Elections Without Violence: The Responsibility of Ekiti Youths.”
Addressing journalists, Oluwatosin stressed that elections should be viewed as a civic duty, not a battlefield. He called on youths to act as ambassadors of peace rather than instruments of thuggery, noting that violence, ballot snatching, and other electoral malpractices undermine democracy and good governance.
“Elections are not a fight or a war; they are a civic responsibility,” he said. “Violence destroys dreams and communities, while peace builds progress and unity. As we approach the polls, youths must avoid misinformation, shun inducement, and work with INEC and security agencies to ensure a free and fair election.”
Representing the Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, the Special Assistant on Youth Development, Olu‑Ajayi Maxwell, expressed confidence that the state would witness a peaceful election devoid of hooliganism or unrest. He warned against vote-buying and urged young people to serve as peace ambassadors before, during, and after the polls.
Also speaking, the Director-General of the Ekiti State Bureau of Community Communication, Mary Oso‑Omotosho, described Ekiti youths as politically conscious and responsible. She attributed this to consistent engagement by the Oyebanji administration, which she said has fostered inclusion and confidence in democratic governance. According to her, vote-buying thrives where citizens feel disconnected, adding that many youths have openly endorsed the governor without demanding incentives.
In a keynote address, the Project Coordinator of the Ekiti RAAMP, Sunday Adunmo, represented by his Press Officer, urged youths to use their voices to promote peace. He emphasized that democracy requires active participation, responsibility, and commitment to non-violence.
An APC chieftain in the state, Tope Ogunleye, reaffirmed his commitment to youth empowerment, noting that inducement becomes unnecessary when voters genuinely believe in a candidate.
Similarly, the Senior Special Adviser to the Ondo State Governor on Signage and Advertisement, Yomi Oyekan, cautioned youths against being used for chaos. He advised them to cultivate alternative livelihoods and resist viewing politics as a quick source of income, stressing that selling votes amounts to mortgaging the future.
The Chief Executive Officer of Debo Autos, Gbadebo Makanjuola Bayefine, described the programme as a timely intervention to correct the perception of politics as a “do-or-die” affair and urged youths to spread the message of responsible electoral conduct within their communities.
The event also featured the presentation of awards of excellence to individuals recognized for their contributions to society.
Award recipients included Ekiti Commissioner for Youths, Adesola Gold Adedayo; DG, Ekiti Bureau of Community Communication, Mary Oso-Omotosho; SSA to the Ondo Governor on Signage and Advertisement, Yomi Oyekan; Chairman of Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government, Gbenga Oluwatuyi; APC chieftain 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.