Youth leaders in Cross River State have warned young people against allowing themselves to be used for electoral violence ahead of the 2027 general elections NEGROIDHAVEN can say.
The caution was issued by the Cross River State chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria during the grand finale of its “Future First: Youth Engagement and Assessment Tour” held in Ogoja.
Speaking at the event, the State Chairman of the council, Emmanuel Olayi, urged youths to reject acts capable of undermining peace and stability, stressing that political participation should not translate into conflict.
“You don’t need to fight or harm anyone because of politics. If we destroy ourselves, who will be left to build the future we desire?” he said.
Olayi warned that young people must resist being manipulated by political actors to perpetrate violence, adding that such actions often leave lasting consequences on communities.
He further called on youths to channel their energy into constructive civic engagement, particularly by registering for their Permanent Voter Cards and participating in the electoral process.
The engagement forms part of a statewide consultation tour by the council aimed at mobilising young people, assessing development efforts, and strengthening grassroots participation in governance.
The tour had earlier taken the council to parts of the Northern Senatorial District, including Obudu, Yala, Bekwarra, and Obanliku.
Participants at the Ogoja event echoed the call for peace, with youth leaders and community representatives pledging to promote unity and discourage violence during the election period.
Student leaders from the region also commended the initiative, expressing readiness to mobilise their peers for responsible participation in the democratic process.
The council said it would continue to expand youth-focused programmes, including empowerment and skills development initiatives, as part of efforts to foster inclusion and long-term development.
As political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of 2027, stakeholders at the event stressed the need for sustained voter education and youth-driven advocacy to ensure credible elections in the state.
