A youth advocacy group, Democracy Drivers Network, has urged youths in Zamfara State to shun political thuggery, vote-buying, and other electoral malpractices ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The group also called on young voters, particularly first-time voters, to participate actively in the electoral process and make choices based on personal conviction, community needs, and candidate competence rather than political sentiments or affiliations.

The call was made during a sensitization program organized by the network in Zamfara State to prepare youths for peaceful and credible elections in 2027.

Speaking at the event, one of the resource persons said participants were enlightened on the importance of responsible voting, peaceful conduct, and respect for the political choices of others.

He stated that politics is fundamentally about choices and personal convictions, stressing that political differences should not generate hostility or violence among citizens.

He urged political actors and their supporters to market their preferred candidates through persuasion and issue-based campaigns rather than intimidation or violence.

The speaker also emphasized the need to address voter apathy, particularly among young people who will be participating in elections for the first time.

Addressing the growing influence of financial inducement during elections—especially among vulnerable youths and women he urged voters to consider the long-term implications of selling their votes for temporary benefits.

He challenged them to compare the immediate gains from accepting ₦50,000, ₦100,000, food items, or other incentives with the development they could secure by electing credible representatives.

“Will ₦50,000, ₦100,000, a pack of spaghetti, or a measure of rice be enough to provide three kilometers of road, drugs in hospitals, or teachers in schools?” he asked.

He added that the exercise helped participants understand that the choice before them was not about immediate financial benefits, but about the long-term development of their communities.

Earlier, the State Coordinator of Democracy Drivers Network, Jibril Abubakar Sadiq, said the program was organized to draw lessons from previous elections and prevent youths from being used as instruments of political violence.

He noted that the network brought together representatives of various youth organizations, including student union leaders, to discuss ways of promoting peaceful political participation.

According to him, the initiative is designed to discourage young people from engaging in political thuggery, collecting money to perpetrate electoral violence, and participating in other activities capable of undermining democracy.

Sadiq urged the participants to take the message to their respective organizations and communities, describing them as ambassadors who would help spread the campaign against electoral violence. (Daily Trust)