From Political Thugs to Political Drivers: The Osun Youth Challenge

Youth Must Stop Being Tools, Start Adding Value – Osun REC Chairman

At the Osun Online Publishers Association (OOPA) media parley yesterday, the Osun State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Mutiu Agboke, issued a pointed call to the youth of the state: it is time to move from being political tools to becoming drivers of progress.

Speaking to journalists, Dr. Agboke lamented the active involvement of young people as instruments for political interests rather than as contributors to governance and legislative processes. “The same age range of political thugs who dominate grassroots politics are now passing bills in the parliament. They must begin to add value,” he said.

Dr. Agboke also highlighted a pressing concern for electoral participation, noting that over 360,000 Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) remain uncollected in Osun State, even as registration offices remain open for collection. He emphasized that the door remains open for all eligible voters to claim their PVCs, urging young citizens to exercise their democratic rights responsibly.

The REC’s remarks underscore the ongoing challenge of youth engagement in Nigerian politics, a demographic that holds significant potential to influence governance but often remains sidelined or misused for partisan purposes. Dr. Agboke’s warning calls for a shift from token participation to active, value-driven political involvement.