Southern Youths Unite Against Voter Apathy, Mobilise for Continuous Voter Registration

Ethnic youth groups from the 17 Southern states of Nigeria have resolved to end voter apathy among Southern youths and mobilise for mass participation in the electoral process.

The groups, under the umbrella of Southern Nigeria Ethnic Youths, also pledged to resist any attempt by politicians to divide the country along political, ethnic, or religious lines.

At a press conference in Umuahia, Abia State capital, the youths—including representatives of the Yoruba Youths Council, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youths, Ijaw Youths Council, and Efik Youths Assembly—argued that low youth turnout at the polls has contributed to the emergence of poor leadership.

They urged eligible youths to seize the ongoing voter registration exercise to acquire their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“The mistake of the youths, which actually leads to the hunger, is not participating in elections. It is our right to exercise our franchise,” they said.

“Most of the youths shy away. That is why we sensitize them on the need to get their voter’s card and choose a leader of their choice; a leader they believe will salvage them. This will change the situation of the day—the economy, the famine, and the hunger eating up Nigeria. We need to select leaders who have the technical know-how to handle the affairs of the country. How are we going to do that if we sit at the sideline?”

The youths also blamed widespread poverty on the extravagant lifestyle of some state governors. “The problem we have is the governors of certain states who believe that the state treasury is just for them to cheer up their luxurious lifestyle and send their aides and family members abroad to enjoy, instead of providing for the common man. This way, they plunge the entire populace into poverty.”

In a communiqué read by Engr. Moses Njoku, President of the Southern Nigeria Youths Assembly, the groups unanimously endorsed Ambassador Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubo for a second term as National President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN).

They cited his “visionary leadership and ingenuity” as the basis for their endorsement, noting that he facilitated over 280 jobs for youths in the oil and gas sector, promoted peace between Northern and Southern youths, and partnered with industry stakeholders to create opportunities for young Nigerians, including international internships.

“We are confident in him, and we fully believe that he will give us the best in his second term. He is one man that has been skilled in state craftsmanship; a befitting square peg in a square hole,” the communiqué stated.

On the continued detention of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPoB) leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the youths disclosed that they have been engaging the Federal Government and expressed optimism for a positive resolution.

Present at the briefing were Ambassador Uchenna Obiora, President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youths Council; Christopher Ekpenyong, National President of Efik Youths Council; Prince Dalolu Sukubo; Chief Priest Jami Salako; Arc. Achi Chris Achi; and Matthew Oyhi, among others.

Opinion Nigeria News