Rufus Ebegba, the chairman of the Police Community Relations Committee in Abuja, has urged Nigerian youths to shun political thuggery and electoral violence as the country prepares for the 2027 elections.

Mr Ebegba, who was the pioneer director-general of the National Biosafety Management Agency, gave the advice while speaking to journalists on the state of the nation and preparations for the elections in Abuja on Tuesday.

The PCRC boss, who is also an Urhobo leader, expressed concerns over how politicians allegedly recruit youths to perpetrate violence during elections. He said youths, who constitute a significant voting bloc and represent the country’s future, were often lured with money, drugs and false promises to disrupt elections, snatch ballot boxes and intimidate political opponents.

“The 2027 general election must not be a do-or-die affair. I am appealing passionately to Nigerian youths, particularly our Urhobo youths in Delta, to say no to thuggery.

“Don’t allow any politician to use you as an instrument of violence. If they need thugs, let them recruit their own children. No politician’s ambition is worth your blood or your future.

“Your Permanent Voter Cards are more powerful than any gun, cutlass or charm they give you. Be agents of peace, not agents of destruction,” Mr Ebegba advised.

He advised youths to channel their energy into positive political participation through voter education, community sensitisation and holding elected leaders accountable through the ballot.

Mr Ebegba also called on parents, traditional rulers, religious leaders, security agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission to intensify public awareness campaigns against electoral violence and strengthen measures to ensure peaceful elections.

He reaffirmed his commitment to peace-building and community policing in Abuja and across the country, noting that sustainable development could only thrive in an atmosphere of peace and security.

The PCRC chairman urged youths to remain wise, vigilant and focused on building a better Nigeria rather than sacrificing their future for temporary financial gains.

(NAN)