A youth-based organization promoting democratic governance, youth development and policy advocacy, Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI) has intensified efforts on ‘Vote Not Fight’ advocacy in Osun state ahead of the September 22nd governorship election in the state.
The Executive Director of KDI, Mr Bukola Idowu said the focus of the advocacy was to sensitise the people of the state to vote peacefully and shun any tendency that could cause fight or any form of crisis before, during and after the election.
He spoke at a workshop organized by KDI with the support of the National Democratic Institute (NDI), USAID and UKaid for journalists in the state as part of civic and voters’ education.
Idowu said "The Vote Note Fight" advocacy is geared towards educating and mobilizing voters across the nation starting from Osun ahead of the forthcoming gubernatorial elections billed for 22nd of September 2018."
He said KDI is a non-partisan, youth initiated and youth-centered campaign that promotes peace.
His words "The sole aim of this campaign is to enlighten the youths and enhance their commitment to desist totally from every act of violence during elections, beginning with the imminent one in September.".
Idowu said the advocacy seeks for active participation of the youths of Osun in the electoral process and to shun violence during election period.
He added that the objectives of the ‘Vote Not Fight’ was to increase measurably voters turnout and peaceful participation of youths in the 2018 Governorship Election in Osun State and beyond.
He also said that the campaign was aimed at increasing non-violent youth engagement with political candidates and stakeholders on prevailing issues ahead of the forthcoming election.
He added that the campaign was also intended to promote the involvement of young women and young persons with disabilities in the 2018 gubernatorial election in Osun State.
Idowu said part of the objectives of the campaign was to create awareness among the youths on the immense importance of voting right without fear or favor in the 2018 Governorship election.
He commended the Country Director of National Democratic Institute (NDI), Mr. Aubrey McCutcheon and the Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Osun State, Mr Segun Olagoke Agbaje for their supports and cooperation.
The INEC Head of Department, Directorate of Voter Education and Publicity, Mr AKin Ojewande also made presentation on electoral communication and conducting an effective voter education.
He also commended the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the UKaid for their supports
In presentation, Mr Dare Adeoye, the Zonal Coordinator of Legal Defence and Assistance Project gave the overview of electoral violence in Nigeria and analyzed security threats in Osun ahead of the September election.
Also, the Programme Manager of National Democratic Institute (NDI), Mr Ben Aga highlighted the Nigeria electoral legal frame work and discussed the key constitutional requirements with the participants.
