A Professor of Political Science at the University of Lesotho, Prof Babayo Sule, has outlined critical roles Nigerian youths must play to ensure the credibility of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking in a recent interview in Gombe, Prof Sule emphasized that young people remain the most decisive demographic bloc in Nigeria’s electoral landscape and can determine whether the next election strengthens or weakens democratic institutions.
According to him, the first responsibility of Nigerian youths is to reject vote buying and resist being used as instruments of electoral malpractice. He noted that politicians often exploit economic hardship to influence voters, warning that short-term financial inducements ultimately translate into long-term governance failure.
“Youths must understand that when they sell their votes, they mortgage their future,” he said, stressing that credible elections begin with individual integrity at the polling unit.
Prof Sule also urged young voters to actively participate in the electoral process by registering, collecting their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), and turning out peacefully on election day. He encouraged them to familiarize themselves with guidelines issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and to serve as election observers, party agents, and civic volunteers where possible.
On political thuggery, the political scientist cautioned against the growing trend of recruiting unemployed youths to perpetrate violence during elections. He described the practice as a threat to democratic consolidation and warned that it is often the youths not the political sponsors who bear the consequences of violence.
He further highlighted the importance of digital responsibility, urging young Nigerians to use social media platforms to promote issue-based campaigns rather than spreading misinformation, hate speech, or propaganda that could inflame tensions ahead of the polls.
Prof Sule concluded that if Nigerian youths collectively refuse electoral malpractice, reject political violence, and demand accountability from leaders beyond election day, the 2027 elections could mark a significant turning point in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
