The Coalition of Nigerian Youth Leaders (CONYL), an umbrella body of youth groups drawn from Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, has urged the people of Benue State to approach the 2027 governorship election with vigilance and make the protection of lives and property a major consideration in choosing their next governor.
The group made the call in a statement signed by its President General, Comrade Goodluck Ibem, stressing that years of violence, displacement and destruction of livelihoods have placed a heavy burden on communities across the state.
“Families have lost loved ones, farmers have been driven from their fields, and communities have been forced to live with the persistent fear of attacks. This cannot become normal,” CONYL said.
According to the group, elections should provide citizens with an opportunity to demand leadership capable of addressing the challenges confronting their communities, particularly insecurity and the displacement of vulnerable populations.
“Elections are not merely contests for political offices; they are opportunities for citizens to demand leadership that takes seriously the fundamental responsibility of protecting lives and property,” the statement said.
CONYL urged Benue voters to look beyond political party affiliations, ethnic considerations, campaign slogans and promises, and carefully examine the records, policies and security plans of all governorship candidates ahead of the election.
The group said voters should demand clear answers from every candidate on how they intend to protect communities from attacks, strengthen collaboration with federal security agencies and local communities, facilitate the safe return of internally displaced persons and protect farmers and rural communities.
It also urged voters to question candidates on the mechanisms they would establish for early warning and rapid response to security threats, as well as measures to ensure transparency and accountability in the management of security-related resources.
“CONYL is not asking Benue people to vote blindly for any political party or individual. We are asking them to vote consciously,” the group stated.
The youth coalition further called on political parties and governorship aspirants to make the security and welfare of Benue residents central to their 2027 campaign programmes and present measurable, credible and lawful strategies for addressing the violence affecting communities across the state.
“Ask questions. Demand accountability. Examine the records. And make your choice based on the leadership you believe can best protect your communities and restore the conditions for peaceful livelihoods,” CONYL urged.
The group warned that continued bloodshed should not become a permanent feature of Benue’s history, saying the 2027 governorship election should provide an opportunity for voters to critically assess how each candidate intends to address insecurity and restore peaceful livelihoods.
“The people of Benue deserve leadership that treats every life as valuable and security as a fundamental responsibility — not as a campaign slogan,” CONYL said.
