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Ukorebi Esien | January 8, 2026
CALABAR - The leadership of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) in Cross River State has cautioned young people against political manipulation, electoral thuggery and involvement in violence as the state gradually inches toward the 2027 general elections, insisting that youths must see themselves as partners in development rather than tools for political exploitation.
The warning follows a motivational message issued by the Cross River State Chairman of NYCN, Comrade Emmanuel Olayi, in which he urged youths to reject the culture of being "used and dumped" by political actors and instead embrace responsible, value-driven participation in governance and community development.
He called on young leaders to embrace their uniqueness, pursue their passions, continually learn and adapt, and believe in themselves, stressing that no youth should sacrifice their future for illegitimate political gains.
Olayi added that youths have enormous value to bring to the table and must resist any attempt to reduce them to instruments of violence, intimidation or disorder during political contests.
Backing this position, a former Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria in Cross River State, Comrade Bernard Okori Oko, also advised youths to exercise wisdom and restraint as political activities begin to intensify.
Speaking during an interview with TDN, Oko noted that youths often find themselves at the centre of political crises and insecurity, acting both as perpetrators and eventual victims.
He urged young people to align only with leaders and candidates who would be accountable to them after elections, emphasizing that political engagement must translate into tangible development outcomes for communities.
According to him, wisdom demands that youths make rational decisions that will not haunt them in the future, choosing peace, dialogue and constructive engagement over violence and destruction.
The NYCN leadership reiterated its commitment to mentoring young people, promoting peace, and mobilising youths as a positive force for democratic governance and sustainable development in Cross River State.
As the countdown to 2027 continues, the council urged youths to resist manipulation, reject violence, and channel their energy into constructive participation that adds value to the electoral process and the overall development of the state.
CALABAR - The leadership of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) in Cross River State has cautioned young people against political manipulation, electoral thuggery and involvement in violence as the state gradually inches toward the 2027 general elections, insisting that youths must see themselves as partners in development rather than tools for political exploitation.
The warning follows a motivational message issued by the Cross River State Chairman of NYCN, Comrade Emmanuel Olayi, in which he urged youths to reject the culture of being "used and dumped" by political actors and instead embrace responsible, value-driven participation in governance and community development.
"As we stand on the brink of the future, remember that we have the power to shape the world," Olayi said. "We are not tools to be used and dumped. We are a people full of energy, ideas and capacity, useful for productivity and community development."
He called on young leaders to embrace their uniqueness, pursue their passions, continually learn and adapt, and believe in themselves, stressing that no youth should sacrifice their future for illegitimate political gains.
Olayi added that youths have enormous value to bring to the table and must resist any attempt to reduce them to instruments of violence, intimidation or disorder during political contests.
Backing this position, a former Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria in Cross River State, Comrade Bernard Okori Oko, also advised youths to exercise wisdom and restraint as political activities begin to intensify.
Speaking during an interview with TDN, Oko noted that youths often find themselves at the centre of political crises and insecurity, acting both as perpetrators and eventual victims.
"In every war or conflict we have witnessed, it always ends on the table of negotiation," he said. "Why not negotiate before the war? The brunt of political violence falls on the shoulders of the youth. They are the most active, they are used, and they are the ones who die."
He urged young people to align only with leaders and candidates who would be accountable to them after elections, emphasizing that political engagement must translate into tangible development outcomes for communities.
According to him, wisdom demands that youths make rational decisions that will not haunt them in the future, choosing peace, dialogue and constructive engagement over violence and destruction.
The NYCN leadership reiterated its commitment to mentoring young people, promoting peace, and mobilising youths as a positive force for democratic governance and sustainable development in Cross River State.
As the countdown to 2027 continues, the council urged youths to resist manipulation, reject violence, and channel their energy into constructive participation that adds value to the electoral process and the overall development of the state.
Ukorebi Esien
Editor-in-Chief,
The Daily News Ng
Lead Consultant
Achievers Center for Community Development Initiative
+2348161527978
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