Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
The Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL) has announced plans to embark on a region-wide electoral sensitisation and democratic defence tour ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning against any form of electoral malpractice in the zone.
In a statement issued by its President-General, Goodluck Ibem, the group said the initiative is aimed at safeguarding democracy, protecting the sanctity of the ballot, and ensuring that the will of the people prevails.
COSEYL, which described itself as the apex socio-political youth body in the South-East, said the tour would mobilise and educate citizens across the five states of the region on their electoral rights and responsibilities.
“The era of electoral manipulation, intimidation and subversion of the people’s mandate must come to an end. Enough is enough,” the statement read.
The group anchored its position on constitutional provisions, citing Section 14(2)(c), which guarantees citizens’ participation in governance, and Section 1(2), which mandates that the country must be governed in accordance with the Constitution.
According to COSEYL, any attempt to rig elections or manipulate outcomes amounts to a direct assault on Nigeria’s democracy and a betrayal of the people’s mandate.
It warned individuals and groups allegedly plotting to undermine the electoral process in the South-East to desist, declaring that the region would not tolerate any form of malpractice.
“We issue a clear and unequivocal warning to anyone contemplating electoral fraud in the South-East: stay off our zone. The will of the people is not negotiable,” the group stated.
The coalition further pledged to mobilise citizens to lawfully resist any attempt to subvert the democratic process, stressing that such resistance would be within the confines of the law.
COSEYL also called on security agencies to remain professional and neutral during the elections, urging them not to be used as instruments of electoral manipulation.
It referenced Section 215 of the Constitution, noting that security agencies are mandated to maintain law and order, not to aid illegality or partisan interests.
“Security operatives must remember that their loyalty is to the Constitution and the Nigerian people. Any action that undermines free, fair and credible elections is a violation of their oath of office,” the statement added.
The group also highlighted citizens’ fundamental rights, including freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and protection from discrimination, as enshrined in Sections 39, 40 and 42 of the Constitution.
COSEYL said it would engage key stakeholders, including electoral bodies, civil society organisations, traditional institutions and the international community, to ensure credible polls in 2027.
Describing the forthcoming elections as a “defining moment” for Nigeria’s democracy, the coalition insisted that the voices of the people must be heard.
“The people will no longer be silenced. The people will no longer be ignored. The people will prevail,” the statement concluded.
