Non-governmental organisation, the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG), has urged Nigerians to vote for leaders in the 2027 general elections based on their ability to tackle the nation’s economic and security challenges, rather than along religious, tribal or regional lines.
The call was made during a one-day public lecture themed “ _Building Responsible Students’ Leadership”, where the National Coordinator of CNG, Alhaji Jamilu Aliyu, stressed that politicians who promote ethnic or religious sentiments should be rejected at the polls.
“What we want is a leader that can end insecurity, provide jobs for youths. We are not concerned if such a leader is from the South or North; what is important to us is a leader with vision and focus,” he said.
Aliyu argued that Nigeria’s persistent challenges have little to do with religion or tribe, noting that poverty and insecurity remain prevalent even in states dominated by a single faith.
“If tribe and religion can bring development, what about states that are only Muslims or Christians? Poverty and insecurity are still ravaging those states. This means our problem is bad leadership and not religion or tribe,” he stated.
He cautioned youths against engaging in thuggery and drug abuse, emphasizing that young people have a critical role to play in ending money politics by enlightening their parents and communities to vote for leaders committed to rescuing the country from poverty and insecurity.
Presenting a paper titled: “ _Thuggery and Shilla Gangsterism: Threats to Students’ Life, Community Peace and Youth Future,”_ Aliyu identified unemployment and idleness as major drivers of crime among young people when productive youths are not engaged in meaningful ventures.
“Poor moral and family guidance. Lack of discipline and supervision leaves youths vulnerable to manipulation,” he noted.
“Political and criminal exploitation. Some youths are used during elections or criminal operations and later abandoned,” he added.
Aliyu urged students to avoid activities that could jeopardise their future and threaten national unity.
Also speaking at the lecture held at Adamawa State Polytechnic, Yola, the Executive Director of Dadah Foundation for Educational Empowerment (DAFEE), Alhaji Usman Dada, advised students to shun drug abuse and focus on their academic pursuits.
“My dear students, please avoid social vices. Avoid drug abuse, causing crisis on the campus, thuggery, religious bigotry and other social vices bedeviling us on our campuses and our nation,” he said.
Dada further emphasized that education remains the most effective tool for lifting students out of poverty and securing a better future.
