INEC Warns Parents Against Youth Involvement in Electoral Violence Ahead of 2027 Polls

 

By Atlantic Reports

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called on parents and guardians across Nigeria to protect their children and wards from political exploitation, warning against the recruitment of young people for electoral violence and other unlawful activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The commission stressed that young Nigerians should be encouraged to participate meaningfully in democratic processes rather than become instruments of intimidation and disruption in the hands of politicians seeking electoral advantage.

Ondo State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr Mutiu Agboke, delivered the warning on Friday during a stakeholders’ engagement held in Okitipupa Local Government Area, Ondo State, as part of preparations for the forthcoming elections in the Ondo South Senatorial District.

Parents, Political Parties Urged to Reject Electoral Thuggery

Agboke expressed concern over the vulnerability of young people to political manipulation, particularly during election periods when competition for public office can heighten tensions.

He urged parents to take greater responsibility for guiding their children towards constructive political engagement, stressing that young Nigerians possess the potential to become political leaders rather than instruments of electoral violence.

“As youths, you are the future leaders and you also have the capacity to contest for political offices rather than being used by politicians to perpetrate violence and other illegal activities,” he said.

The electoral commissioner also warned against vote-buying, political intimidation and other practices capable of undermining public confidence in the electoral process.

“Our parents need to monitor their wards and counsel them against electoral violence, vote-buying and thuggery,” Agboke stated.

He challenged political parties to strengthen internal political education, particularly at the grassroots, where party mobilisation and voter engagement often begin.

“Also, political parties should educate their members on responsible political conduct, peaceful campaigns and proper voting procedures, starting from the ward level,” he added.

INEC Seeks Stronger Collaboration for Credible Elections

Beyond parental responsibility, Agboke emphasised the importance of cooperation among electoral institutions, political parties, community leaders and the media in preventing electoral misconduct.

He reaffirmed INEC's commitment to conducting free and credible elections, noting that responsible political participation and public awareness would be essential to achieving that objective.

His remarks highlight the importance of addressing electoral violence before polling begins, particularly through voter education, political accountability and community engagement.

While the commissioner outlined preventive measures, the meeting did not provide details of specific enforcement arrangements or sanctions against politicians who recruit young people for electoral violence.

Traditional Rulers Raise Concern Over Voter Apathy

The Amapetu of Mahin Kingdom, Oba Obasegun Williams Akinyomi, welcomed INEC's engagement with stakeholders and called for sustained public enlightenment ahead of the elections.

Represented by the Olisa of Mahin, High Chief Okunuwa Felix, the traditional ruler stressed the need to involve community leaders and other influential stakeholders in efforts to strengthen democratic participation.

He expressed concern that some Nigerians were becoming increasingly reluctant to participate in elections, warning that declining public interest could weaken democratic representation.

“Some people are losing interest in participating in the voting but citizens must be encouraged to participate actively in elections,” he said.

The monarch encouraged eligible voters to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and exercise their constitutional right to choose their representatives.

His intervention placed particular emphasis on the role of traditional institutions in encouraging civic responsibility and rebuilding public interest in the electoral process.

NOA Calls for Increased PVC Collection

Also speaking, Mrs Stella Adetokunbo, an official of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo Local Government Area, urged eligible residents who had yet to collect their PVCs to do so.

Adetokunbo appealed to political stakeholders, community organisations and local leaders to intensify mobilisation efforts and ensure that registered voters understand the importance of participating in elections.

“All eligible voters who are yet to collect their PVCs should do so, while stakeholders should mobilise residents and their followers to participate in the collection exercise,” she said.

According to her, sustained civic education would encourage responsible citizenship, strengthen national consciousness and promote peaceful coexistence.

“This will promote national consciousness, responsible citizenship, peaceful coexistence and build a peaceful society,” she added.

Beyond Warnings: The Challenge of Electoral Accountability

The stakeholders’ meeting brought renewed attention to two important challenges facing Nigeria's electoral process: preventing politically motivated violence and encouraging citizens to participate in elections.

Although parents and community leaders can discourage young people from engaging in political thuggery, responsibility also rests with political actors and institutions to prevent recruitment for violence and ensure accountability for electoral offences.

Similarly, increasing PVC collection is only one part of improving electoral participation. Public confidence also depends on transparent electoral administration, effective security arrangements and credible outcomes.

As preparations for the 2027 general elections continue, the effectiveness of INEC's voter education campaigns will depend partly on whether political parties, traditional institutions and communities translate these appeals into practical measures that encourage peaceful participation.

For young Nigerians, the central message from the Okitipupa engagement is that their place in democracy should be as voters, candidates, organisers and informed citizens, not as instruments of political violence.

Atlantic Reports: Voices. People. Facts.