The Gombe Network of Civil Society Organisations (GONET) has cautioned politicians against recruiting or exploiting youths for electoral violence ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Ibrahim Yusuf, chairman of the group, stated this in an interview on Friday in Gombe.

He said such actions portend dire consequences for the state before, during, and after the elections.

Yusuf alleged that some politicians recruited youths for political thuggery, and made them tools to foment violence. 

He said political stakeholders must be mindful of their actions and avoid acts that could disrupt peace and electoral processes. 

The chairman said politicians must ensure youths are educated, skilled, and given job opportunities to contribute to the development of the state and communities.

“Politics is a game of numbers and popularity; therefore, candidates should know that they might win or lose. Election is not a do-or-die affair.

“The state is greater than politicians, and communities will continue to exist even after the election.

“They should not allow their selfish interests to drive their ego and disrupt the peace of the state,” he said.

Mr Yusuf urged security and regulatory bodies to regulate activities that could threaten peaceful co-existence in the state.

Also, Abdulaziz Labaran, representative of the Youth O’Clock Nigeria, urged politicians to engage youths positively for the development of the state and the country at large.

“The young people recruited to cause violence today will be the ones to make your government ungovernable if elected,” he said.

Mr Labaran advised political parties and their candidates to promote issue-based campaigns without inciting anger or violence.

He enjoined the youths to engage positively in the electoral process without being hoodwinked by selfish elements. 

Mr Labaran said the group had sensitised youths against thuggery and electoral violence. 

(NAN)