As Ondo State prepares for its governorship election on November 16, 2024, a clarion call has been issued to the youth, urging them to take an active role in the electoral process to influence the future of the state.
During a one-day engagement meeting with various youth organisations, participants were encouraged to seize the opportunity to participate actively in the upcoming elections. The forum was designed to promote inclusivity, raise awareness about the importance of young voices in governance, and enhance the transparency of the electoral process.
The event featured discussions on technological advancements in voting, including the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), as well as insights into INEC’s initiatives tailored for the youth and the consequences of electoral offences.
Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for INEC in Ondo State, emphasised the critical role of the youth in shaping the state’s political landscape. With young people constituting 35.41% of registered voters in the state, Babalola highlighted the need for increased turnout, noting the disappointingly low participation rates in previous elections.
She urged the youth to leverage the upcoming election as an opportunity to voice their opinions, resist electoral manipulation, and promote a fair and transparent electoral process. “This engagement is more than just a discussion; it’s a call to action for all youths to embrace their civic duties and positively impact the electoral landscape,” Babalola stated.
Mr. Samuel Bassey, Head of the Youth Unit at INEC Headquarters, reinforced the importance of the ‘Not-too-Young to Run’ policy. He urged youths to actively sensitise their peers, engage with political figures, and educate themselves on their rights and responsibilities. Bassey also called for a united front against violence, misinformation, and vote trading to ensure a credible electoral process.
The Ondo State Director of the National Orientation Agency, Mr. James Ajayi Adekunle, encouraged the youth to harness their knowledge and exposure to foster free and fair elections.
Represented by Head of Public and Media Relation Unit,
NOA, Akure, Ralpheal Oguntibeju, NOA director urged them to reject violence and thuggery and to participate in large numbers on election day.
Mrs. Dorothy Bello, INEC’s Director of Gender and Inclusivity, reiterated the call for youth involvement in the election, promising ongoing engagement and support for initiatives aimed at including young voters in the electoral process.
In a collective statement, Martins Alo, Executive Director of Upline Centre for Development, applauded INEC for its efforts to empower the youth and urged them to mobilise their peers to obtain their PVCs, challenge misinformation, and stand firm against political exploitation.
Key concerns raised during the meeting included the need for effective prosecution of electoral offenders and the prompt distribution of accurate information to counter misinformation leading up to the election.
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