Writing By Daniel Karlmax, Editing By Godwin Duru
As the people of Kaduna State prepare for the re-run elections scheduled for Saturday, 16 August, 2025, renowned humanitarian and development expert, Mr. Mohammad Adangba, has called on the youth to take an active and peaceful role in the electoral process rather than allowing themselves to be used as thugs.
Speaking with the media ahead of the polls, Mr. Adangba expressed concern over the growing apathy among young people towards politics, warning that their indifference is leaving a dangerous vacuum that is being exploited by self-serving politicians.
“It is heartbreaking to see our youth, the real engine of progress losing interest in shaping the future through democratic means, only to be used as tools for violence by the same system they are withdrawing from,” he said.
Mr. Adangba urged youths across the state to come out en masse to vote for candidates of their choice and ensure they monitor the process peacefully to safeguard the integrity of the elections.
“Your vote is your voice. Don’t trade it for crumbs or violence. Be vigilant, participate peacefully, and defend your mandate through lawful means,” he advised.
He also charged the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC to conduct the re-run with utmost transparency and professionalism, stressing the need for the electoral umpire to uphold its mandate by announcing only the rightful winners as decided by the people.
“INEC must rise to the occasion and prove its independence by delivering credible results. The people of Kaduna deserve nothing less,” he added.
Mr. Adangba further called on civil society organizations, the media, traditional rulers, and religious leaders to step up efforts in sensitizing the public on the importance of peaceful elections.
“Every stakeholder has a role to play in this democratic journey. The media must inform, civil society must mobilize, and our traditional and religious institutions must preach peace. Violence is never the answer.”
The re-run elections will cover various constituencies where outcomes from previous polls were either declared inconclusive or annulled due to irregularities.
Six constituencies covering seven local government areas will participate in the re‑run including: Chikun, Igabi, Kaduna South, Kudan, Kachia, Kagarko and Kauru
Daniel Karlmax
