Don urges peaceful, credible by-election in Nasarawa

A Senior Lecturer in the Department of Entrepreneurship Studies, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Dr. Vincent Paul, has called for peaceful and credible polls ahead of the June 20 by-election in the Nasarawa North senatorial district, and the 2027 general elections in the state.

The University Don made the call on Thursday in the Nassarawa Eggon Local Government Area of the state during the 2026 Nasarawa North Youth/Stakeholders Summit organised by the Youth Assembly of Nigeria in the LGA.

Paul noted that the theme of the summit, ” Youth For Peace: Ensuring A Credible And Violence-Free Nasarawa North Senatorial By-Election And Upcoming General Elections”, was timely as the event came up at a time when the youths need a lot of enlightenment about elections.

“This theme is timely and significant, as it underscores the indispensable role of peace in democratic governance, political stability, and national development. Peace remains the foundation upon which credible, free, fair, and transparent elections are conducted.

“Elections, therefore, are not merely contests for political office but a constitutional process through which citizens freely choose leaders and hold them accountable.

“As we prepare for the Nasarawa North Senatorial By-Election scheduled for 20th June, 2026 and the forthcoming 2027 General Elections, it is important to recognise that ensuring peaceful elections is a collective responsibility requiring the commitment of all stakeholders,” he said.

The NSUK lecturer noted that the youths who constitute the largest and most active segment of the population must serve as ambassadors of peace, advocates of political tolerance, and defenders of electoral integrity before, during, and after the elections.

According to him, over time, it had become evident that many avoidable electoral crises and community conflicts are often carried out not by political leaders themselves, but by youths who are influenced, manipulated, or mobilised for interests that do not serve their long-term wellbeing.

The lecturer said this is both unfortunate and concerning, especially because these same young people possess enormous potential to become drivers of innovation, entrepreneurship, and national development.

Therefore, he said, rather than engaging in violence or political thuggery, youths should channel their energy into productive ventures, skills development, and entrepreneurship that contribute to economic growth and social transformation.

He explained that true national development is achieved through education, hard work, innovation, and constructive engagement, not violence or political manipulation, and therefore advocated that only the right things should be done during the forthcoming elections in the state.

He added, “Human coexistence is founded on peace, mutual respect, and understanding. Across all cultures and religions, peace is recognised as a divine and universal value.

“There is therefore no justification for turning democratic processes such as elections into platforms for violence, hatred, or destruction of lives and property.”

Paul recommended that in order to sustain electoral peace and credibility, youths must reject all forms of electoral violence, and political parties must strictly adhere to peace accords and electoral laws, and electoral offenders must be promptly prosecuted.

He added that civic education should be strengthened at all levels, security agencies must remain impartial and professional, while community leaders, civil society organisations, and the media should actively promote peace, accountability, and democratic responsibility.

On his part, the Speaker of YAN in the Nassarawa Eggon LGA of the state, Rt. Hon. Isaac Gabi Samuel said that as the zone prepares for the Nasarawa North Senatorial By-Election and future general elections, the residents must recognise that the success of any democratic process depends largely on the conduct of citizens, particularly the youth.

He noted that young people constitute the largest and most energetic segment of the country and state’s population, noting that they possess the strength, creativity, and influence capable of shaping the future of the nation.

While speaking about the theme of the event, Samuel noted that elections should never be viewed as a battlefield but as an opportunity for citizens to peacefully express their choices through the ballot box, explaining that democracy thrives where peace exists, and peace flourishes where justice, tolerance, and responsible leadership prevail.

“As youths, we must reject every form of electoral violence, political thuggery, hate speech, misinformation, intimidation, and actions capable of disrupting the electoral process.

“Furthermore, we encourage all eligible youths to participate actively in the democratic process by registering, obtaining their voter cards, voting peacefully, and monitoring the electoral process within the limits of the law.

“Meaningful participation is not only a civic responsibility but also a powerful tool for shaping the future we desire. The Youth Assembly of Nigeria remains committed to fostering peace, unity, youth empowerment, and democratic development,” he added.

In an interview, the senatorial candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party for the Nasarawa North by-election and 2027 elections, Barr. Paul John cautioned his supporters against engaging in acts of violence during the elections.

He noted that issues of disagreements should be reported to the security agencies for appropriate action, insisting that peace, law and order must be maintained during and after the elections.

John, therefore, commended YAN for organising the youth/stakeholders summit ahead of the elections, noting that it will help to enlighten the people of the zone about the best ways to participate in the forthcoming elections.

“I came in to encourage them to place value on themselves and not to allow themselves to be instruments that politicians will use to unleash violence during the elections.

“It is not worth it that because somebody is contesting an election you make yourself a willing tool, an instrument that he will now use to unleash violence. It is not worth it,” he emphasised.

Our correspondent further reports that the event, which was attended by other stakeholders of YAN from Nasarawa State, had representatives of government functionaries, traditional rulers, security agencies, and cultural associations, among others, in attendance.