2023: Youth Group Cautions Against Vote Buying, Election Rigging

2023: Youth Group Cautions Against Vote Buying, Election Rigging

By Chuks Nzeh
Abuja

A group of young Nigerians under the aegis of Young Nigerian Group, (YNG) has cautioned against vote buying and election rigging urging young Nigerians not to avail themselves to be used as tools in the hands of desperate politicians to cause violence and manipulate election results during the forthcoming general elections.

The group made this known recently during a Press Conference at the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT, where it warned merchants of vote buying to be aware that it is a crime and if caught, they would be penalised.

Speaking at the briefing the Presidential Aspirant of the National Rescue Movement, NRM, Dr. Emeka Mandela, who spoke on behalf of the group, in Abuja, commended the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, for technologies deployed for the election, namely; the BVAS and IREV, urging the commission to ensure it remains independent to have a free, fair, credible election.

“Do not avail yourself to be used to manipulate the election.

“To Mr president, we want to appreciate you for the new electoral reforms. And every single thing you have done to ensure that this election is credible. The policies are initiated, and we applaud you but on this last day of the election. There should be no counter order to the security agencies or INEC. We want our votes to count accurately without fear of favor.

READ ALSO: 2023: NUJ Seeks Protection Of Journalists On Election Duties

“For our corp members, BVAS has made us know that elections can only be manipulated at the polling unit level and do not allow any party to convince you or deceive you. This is not a money-making venture for you but this is time to save this country.

“As a group, we endorse the Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, for his credibility, his capacity, and his long-lasting record. The Nigerian government has been known to be a wasteful government and it has a long-standing record of good nature of handling public funds which is what we need at this time, is to understand the basic needs of Nigerians and the problems Nigerians face or geographies Peter Obi’s knowledge on the products of this country is why the Young Nigerians are with him,” Mandela said.

Also Speaking, YELL OUT National Coordinator, Dr. Moses Paul, said, “Since the return of our democracy, there has never been more critical
then the election that we are going to in a few days. A Lot is at stake with police brutality and lack of health care or education, corruption is an issue.

“So these are the issues that Nigerians are taking to the polls to say hey, we want to take advantage of this challenge that democracy is given us to convert our frustration into a political decision that will see a system where we’ll have to be sustainable.”

END