Youths of Ondo state under the auspices ofOndo State Youth Network (OSYN)has asked both the Peoples Democratic Party and the ruling All Progressives Congress to pick a running mate that is under 45 years of age

The group urged both political parties to prioritise youth inclusion in their tickets ahead of the November polls.

It said this year’s gubernatorial election must break historical neglect of youths by previous administrations.

The coordinator of the group, Comrade Afe Ezekiel, in a statement issued in Akure, said it was wrong for youths to be appointed into the office of Special Assistant or Personal Assistant.

He said there were numerous capable and competent young individuals who are ready to take on leadership roles.

“This has to stop. We, the youth of Ondo State, demand from the All Progressives Congress (APC) & Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) a deputy governor who is less than 45 years old. We want young individuals as cabinet members in the next administration.

“Ondo State must follow the example set by other states in the region. We need to bridge the gap between the youth and the government to ensure effective governance and development.

“We want political parties to prioritize youth representation in the forthcoming election. The organization will continue to engage with stakeholders and advocate for policies that promote youth inclusion and empowerment in governance,” he added. (The Nation)