The leadership of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), South-East Zone, has urged youths across the region to use their Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs) to reject poor leadership and protect the sanctity of the ballot ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The council also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over the conduct of the recent Osun State governorship election, describing the outcome as a sign of renewed hope for Nigeria’s democracy.
The South-East NYCN Vice President, Comr. Dr. Atigwe Henry Ifeanyi, made the call in a press briefing on Monday, August 17, 2026, titled “It Is Indeed a New Dawn for Democracy in Nigeria: Lessons from the Last Saturday’s Osun Governorship Election and the Road to 2027.”
Atigwe said the Osun election demonstrated the importance of allowing citizens to freely determine their leaders through the ballot, commending INEC for its efforts to ensure that the electoral process reflects the wishes of voters.
“The recent developments surrounding the Osun gubernatorial election have once again demonstrated the importance of allowing the people to freely determine who governs them through their votes,” he said.
“It is therefore necessary to commend the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for its efforts towards ensuring that the electoral process reflects the wishes of the electorate.”
The youth leader also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as allowing the electoral process to operate without undue interference from the Presidency.
“We equally appreciate His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for allowing the electoral process to operate without undue interference from the Presidency. This is a significant step in strengthening democratic institutions and restoring confidence in our electoral system,” he said.
According to Atigwe, the significance of the Osun election extends beyond the state, as it offers an opportunity to strengthen democratic institutions and restore public confidence in elections.
“For us, this is not merely about one election or one state. It is a message of hope for a new Nigeria and a stronger democracy where the ballot counts, rather than political influence, that always determines leadership,” he said.
South-East Politicians Put on Notice
Atigwe urged political leaders, particularly those in the South-East, to learn from the Osun experience and abandon electoral manipulation, intimidation, inducement and rigging.
“The era where politicians rely on electoral manipulation, intimidation, inducement or rigging to secure political power must come to an end,” he said.
He added: “Today, we are saying clearly that the people are watching and the Youths are also watching, as the era of taking the people’s mandate for granted is over.”
The NYCN leader challenged politicians seeking elective offices to present their records before voters and allow the electorate to assess their achievements and failures.
“Every politician seeking public office must present his or her scorecard before the electorate. Let the people examine what you have achieved, what you have failed to achieve, and what you intend to do differently,” he said.
“Leadership must be earned through competence, integrity, service and the confidence of the people; not through electoral manipulation.”
Youths Told to Use PVCs Wisely
Atigwe urged youths across the five South-East states to prepare for the 2027 elections by obtaining, protecting and using their PVCs responsibly.
“I therefore call on every young person across the five states of the South-East to dust up your Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC), protect it and, most importantly, use it wisely,” he said.
“Your PVC is not merely a card. It is your instrument of political participation and power to change bad leadership and entrene good leadership. It is your voice at the ballot box that will determine your future so be wise.”
He said youths should use their votes to demand accountability, good governance, security, economic opportunities, quality infrastructure and a better future.
Atigwe consequently directed youth leaders across the five South-Eastern states to begin grassroots advocacy for an “Operation Use Your PVC Well” campaign.
“This campaign must educate our young people that voting is not about party loyalty alone. It is about choosing Individuals with the Capacity, Character and Track record to serve the people,” he said.
He urged voters to reject non-performing leaders and support candidates with verifiable records of performance and commitment to public service.
NYCN Backs South-East Youth Leaders
The South-East NYCN also commended youth leaders across the region for their efforts in promoting what it described as justice, equity, fairness and the legitimate interests of the people.
Atigwe urged them to sustain their advocacy and continue engaging government and political stakeholders through constitutional and democratic channels.
“Let us continue to speak with one voice, engage constructively, and demand what is right for our region through constitutional and democratic means,” he said.
SEDC Asked to Deliver on Mandate
The council also called on the South East Development Commission (SEDC) to fulfil the mandate for which it was established, particularly in addressing what it described as the longstanding structural imbalance in the region.
Atigwe said the commission should become an instrument for development, reconstruction, economic empowerment, infrastructure renewal and regional transformation.
“The Commission must become a genuine instrument of Development, Reconstruction, Economic empowerment, Infrastructure renewal and Regional transformation,” he said.
“Our people are looking forward to tangible projects and measurable impact. The South-East deserves development that can be seen, felt and sustained.”
‘South-East Must Protect Ballot in 2027’
As preparations for the 2027 elections intensify, Atigwe urged INEC to continue strengthening its processes, technology, transparency and institutional independence to ensure credible elections.
“Let me state this unequivocally: Any political leader whose strategy for achieving power depends on rigging or subverting the will of the electorate should reconsider such a political ambition,” he said.
He warned that South-East youths would resist attempts to undermine the democratic rights of citizens, but stressed that such resistance would remain within the bounds of the law.
“The Youths of the South-East will no longer stand by and watch the democratic rights of our people undermined,” Atigwe said.
“Our resistance will be through our PVCs, our civic participation, lawful advocacy and our collective votes.”
He added: “We will not encourage violence. We will not promote destruction. We will not take the law into our hands. Instead, we will use the most powerful democratic weapon available to us; which is our PVC through the ballot.”
‘Know Candidates, Study Their Records’
Atigwe urged South-East youths to approach the 2027 elections with greater political awareness and scrutinise candidates before voting.
“Our message is simple: Get your PVC ready. Know the candidates. Study their records. Ask questions. Demand accountability. Vote wisely. Protect your vote,” he said.
He further urged voters to remain engaged after elections and hold elected officials accountable for their actions and inactions.
“We must move from politics of sentiments to politics of performance; from politics of personality to politics of competence; and from politics of promises to politics of measurable results,” he said.
Atigwe said the responsibility for building a better Nigeria extends beyond politicians, stressing that citizens must understand and responsibly exercise the power of their votes.
“The Nigeria we desire will not be built by politicians alone. It will be built by citizens who understand the power of their votes and are courageous enough to use that power responsibly,” he said.
He urged the South-East to play a leading role in what he described as a new democratic awakening and make the 2027 elections a defining moment for democratic development.
“Let us therefore make 2027 a defining moment in our democratic journey; not a season of political violence or electoral manipulation, but a season where the people freely choose their leaders based on competence, character, capacity and performance,” he said.
The NYCN South-East leadership concluded by commending INEC, democratic institutions, youth leaders and Nigerians working towards strengthening democracy, while again expressing appreciation to President Tinubu for what it described as his commitment to allowing democratic institutions to function.
