The Nigeria Youth Organisation (NYO) has issued a strong warning against any attempt to manipulate the 2027 general elections, calling for immediate and transparent action from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In a press conference held in Abuja on Monday, July 8, 2025, Comrade Okorie C. Okorie, the National Executive President of NYO, addressed critical national issues affecting Nigerian youths and the nation at large.
Speaking passionately, Okorie urged INEC to begin preparations in earnest to ensure the 2027 elections are transparent, credible, and inclusive. He stressed that Nigerian youths are willing and ready to partner with INEC to deliver a peaceful and fair electoral process but warned that "any attempt to rig the 2027 elections will be met with strong and united resistance from the teeming Nigerian youths. Enough is enough."
He further demanded that INEC initiate a nationwide voter registration exercise to accommodate newly eligible voters and register all political parties that meet constitutional and electoral guidelines, stating that this would enhance inclusiveness and competitiveness in the political space.
On the lingering political crisis in Rivers State, NYO praised the peace efforts by the FCT Minister and the Rivers State Governor but demanded more decisive action from President Tinubu. “The people of Rivers deserve peace, stability, and good governance,” Okorie said, urging the President to restore full democratic order in the state.
Touching on the deteriorating security situation across the country, the youth leader called on security agencies to operate in synergy to safeguard citizens, particularly the youth, stating that "the safety of Nigerian citizens is non-negotiable."
In a bold move to hold political leaders accountable, Comrade Okorie announced NYO’s plan to convene a roundtable discussion with all National Chairmen of registered political parties. According to him, the aim is to compel party leaders to unveil their youth-focused manifestos.
“Any party that fails to present a comprehensive youth blueprint will be ignored by Nigerian youths. It is no longer business as usual,” he declared.
On the issue of unemployment, he called on governments at all levels to create decent job opportunities while also encouraging youths to embrace entrepreneurship and self-reliance as viable paths to economic empowerment.
The NYO also condemned the exclusion of Nigerian youths from the 2025 Democracy Day National Honours list, describing it as an unfortunate oversight. Okorie appealed directly to President Tinubu to "correct this injustice by recognising and awarding at least 20 outstanding Nigerian youths who have contributed significantly to national development."
In his closing remarks, the NYO President reiterated that any failure by INEC to meet national and international expectations in the 2027 elections will not be accepted by the youth. He affirmed NYO’s readiness to collaborate with INEC to ensure a transparent, inclusive, and credible electoral process.
“We firmly believe that with active youth involvement, the 2027 elections can set a new standard for democracy in Nigeria,” he concluded.
The press conference was held under tight security and attended by civil society groups, youth leaders, and members of the press.
Dated: July 8, 2025
Tags
News