Ahead of the November 16 governorship election in Ondo state, the youths in the state have asked the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to consider youths as their running mates. 

The youths, under the auspices of the Ondo State Youth Network (OSYN), said the two political parties should pick a deputy governorship candidate who is under 45 years of age. 

In a statement issued by their state coordinator, Afe Ezekiel and the spokesman, Olisa Christopher, the youths noted that they could no longer accept the position of a special assistant or personal assistant.

They maintained that there were many capable, agile and competent young persons under the age of 45, who are ready to take on leadership roles, saying they also wanted to become members of the cabinet in decision-making. 

“This has to stop. We, the youth of Ondo State, demand from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) a deputy governor who is less than 45 years old. We want young individuals as cabinet members in the next administration.

“Ondo State must follow the example set by other states in the region. We need to bridge the gap between the youth and the government to ensure effective governance and development.

“OSYN firmly believes that there are numerous capable and competent young individuals within the organisation who are ready to take on leadership roles,” the statement issued on Sunday and obtained by Peoples Gazette in Akure, read in part. 

The youths, however, pledged their support to any of the political parties that demonstrate a commitment to youth-friendly policies and actions.

While urging both political parties to prioritise youth inclusion in their tickets ahead of the November polls, they said this year’s gubernatorial election must break the historical neglect of youths by previous administrations.

“We want political parties to prioritise youth representation in the forthcoming election. The organisation will continue to engage with stakeholders and advocate for policies that promote youth inclusion and empowerment in governance.”

“As an organisation, we are committed to advocating for youth inclusion and empowerment in governance, and Our demand for a deputy governor under 45 years old is essential for the progress and development of our beloved Sunshine State.

“OSYN remains steadfast in its call for political parties to prioritise youth representation in the forthcoming election,” they further added.

The Gazette had reported the race to the Alagbaka government house would mainly be between Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the governing APC and Agboola Ajayi of the opposition PDP.