Youth group calls for peaceful elections and support for Tinubu

Olatunde Igbasan, the West Africa director of the City Boy Movement and director-general of the APC Youth Network West Africa, has urged Nigerian youths to promote the country and reject electoral violence. He made the call during an Independence Day walk organised to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary and APC Youth Week in West Africa. Igbasan said young Nigerians should use their public platforms positively rather than engage in activities that could damage the country’s image.

“We can use our platform for different things, to promote our nation,” he said, urging youths to avoid actions that divide the country or encourage hostility. Igbasan also expressed support for President Bola Tinubu’s administration. He said changes introduced by the government were visible to Nigerians in the diaspora and argued that Tinubu should be given another term to complete ongoing projects and programmes.

He described infrastructure as essential to national development, saying roads and other projects were necessary for economic progress. He cited South Africa and China as examples of countries where infrastructure had contributed to development. The youth leader urged eligible citizens to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards and vote peacefully.

He advised voters to leave polling areas after casting their ballots, saying remaining there could expose them to violence. Igbasan also cautioned youths against being used by politicians or activists in violent protests. He encouraged those dissatisfied with government policies to join politics, apply their skills to sectors including transportation and mining, and contribute to solving national problems.

Ruth Ayomide, the Lagos State governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Civic Engagement, also backed the administration. She said the walk was intended to celebrate national unity, progress and prosperity while encouraging youth participation in civic and political activities.