As Elections Draw Near, Nigerians Urged to Promote Peaceful Participation and Responsible Civic Engagement

As Elections Draw Near, Nigerians Urged to Promote Peaceful Participation and Responsible Civic Engagement

With Nigeria moving steadily toward another General Election cycle, a renewed appeal is being made to young Nigerians to embrace peace, truth, and responsible civic engagement—and to resist being used as tools for violence, manipulation, or misinformation.

Youth make up more than 60% of Nigeria’s population, placing them at the centre of the nation’s democratic future. Their choices, voices, and conduct will significantly shape the country for generations.

To illustrate the importance of restraint, critical thinking, and peaceful engagement, stakeholders point to the story of Tilewa Adewale Ogunsola, a once-prominent Nigerian actor from Ile-Ife, Osun State. Known for his boldness both on and off the screen, Adewale produced films that challenged political misconduct, corruption, and unfulfilled promises, earning him admiration for his courage but also attracting intense backlash.

According to accounts from those familiar with his journey, Adewale’s outspoken activism came with grave consequences. The threats he faced grew so severe that he adopted multiple disguises to protect his identity. His experience underscores the risks associated with public confrontation and the need for advocacy to be exercised with caution, strategy, and respect for personal safety.

On July 1, 2017, in Ile-Ife, Adewale and a companion were violently attacked, an incident that resulted in the tragic death of the companion while Adewale narrowly escaped. Public opinion surrounding the circumstances of the attack remains divided, with some observers arguing that Adewale’s confrontational approach to political issues placed him at risk, while others believe societal prejudice made him vulnerable. He has remained in hiding ever since.

As the nation prepares for elections, civic groups warn that young Nigerians now possess even greater public influence than Adewale once commanded. Social media has amplified youth voices into powerful tools capable of shaping public opinion within minutes—power that must be used responsibly.

They emphasize key lessons for the electoral season:

• Use your voice to build, not destroy.
• Use your platform to promote truth, not misinformation.
• Use your influence for peace, not violence.
• Use your Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC) as your true democratic power.

The message to young people is clear: verify information before sharing it, reject political manipulation, avoid hate speech, and refuse to participate in any form of electoral violence—online or offline.

Stakeholders stress that a peaceful, credible, and transparent election cannot be achieved by political leaders alone. It requires discipline, maturity, and responsible conduct from the millions of young Nigerians who dominate the nation’s digital and physical spaces.

Nigeria’s democracy is at a critical juncture. The world is watching, the future is calling, and the power to shape that future lies firmly with the nation’s youth.