Clerics Warn Nigerian Youths Against Political Violence Ahead of 2027 Elections

 Clerics Warn Nigerian Youths Against Political Violence Ahead of 2027 Elections

Christian clerics have urged Nigerian youths to reject political violence and refuse attempts by politicians to use them as instruments of violence before, during and after the 2027 general elections.

The clerics also called on eligible Nigerians to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and participate actively and peacefully in the electoral process, stressing that political differences should not result in bloodshed, destruction of property or loss of lives.

The call was made during a thanksgiving service held to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the prophetic ministry of the Founder and Baba Aladura of Ogo Sioni International Ministry, New Ark Bishop Olorunfemi Ejide.

The celebration was held at Ogo Sioni Avenue, off Ogundara Street, Abesan Estate, Ipaja, Lagos.

Speaking at the event, Prophet Dr Oladipo Babatunde Okeyomi, popularly known as “Carry Go”, urged Nigerian youths to channel their energy towards exercising their civic responsibilities rather than engaging in political violence.

Okeyomi warned youths against allowing politicians to exploit them for violent activities, noting that the consequences of electoral violence are often borne by the same young people recruited to perpetrate it.

“We are not going to fight with our hands; we are going to fight with our PVCs,” he said.

The cleric urged eligible Nigerians to obtain their PVCs and participate peacefully in the 2027 elections, emphasising the importance of using the ballot to express political preferences.

He also expressed support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his administration.

According to Okeyomi, Nigerian youths must recognise the power of their votes and utilise democratic processes to determine who governs them rather than resorting to confrontation or violence.

He maintained that elections should provide citizens with an opportunity to choose their leaders and hold them accountable, rather than become a platform for clashes among supporters of different political parties and candidates.

The clerics also appealed to political leaders to discourage violence among their supporters and promote peaceful conduct throughout the electoral process.

They urged politicians to place the interests and safety of Nigerians above partisan considerations, warning against rhetoric and activities capable of escalating tensions during the election period.

The clerics' appeal comes as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum, with stakeholders continuing to emphasise the importance of peaceful participation by political parties, candidates and voters.

They therefore called on Nigerians, particularly youths, to protect the democratic process by rejecting political violence, obtaining their voter cards and using their votes to make their voices heard.