The Corpers’ Journey Advocacy Network (CJAN) has urged young voters in Osun State to scrutinise candidates contesting the August 15 governorship election and vote based on competence, character, track record and policy proposals rather than party loyalty or immediate inducements.
The youth-focused advocacy organisation also called for young people to move beyond being treated as electoral numbers and become active participants in shaping policies and determining the direction of governance.
The Managing Director of CJAN, Taiwo Ajayi Adeola, made the call in a statement on Monday, stressing that the organisation was not endorsing any political party or candidate but advocating for informed, responsible and issue-based voting.
Ajayi said the election provides young voters with an opportunity to demand clear and measurable commitments from candidates on issues affecting their lives, including employment, education, skills development, entrepreneurship, digital opportunities, healthcare, security, housing, sports, the creative economy and youth representation.
“Young people should not only be mobilised to attend rallies and vote on election day. They must ask candidates what they intend to do about employment, education, skills development, entrepreneurship, digital opportunities, healthcare, security, housing, sports, the creative economy and youth representation in government,” Ajayi said.
Youths at the centre of governance
According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), 2,339,233 registered voters are listed for the Osun governorship election, underscoring the significant electoral influence of voters, particularly young people, in the state.
CJAN said the size of the electorate should translate into greater attention to youth priorities by political parties and candidates.
Ajayi said a youth-friendly government should be judged by the systems it creates to enable young people to build sustainable livelihoods, rather than by campaign promises or short-term empowerment initiatives.
He urged young voters to go beyond asking candidates what they intend to do and demand details on how proposed programmes would be funded, implemented and measured.
“The question should not only be what a candidate promises. Young people should ask: How many people will benefit? When will implementation begin? What will it cost? How will we measure the result, and who will be accountable if the promise is not delivered?” he said.
Candidates face youth-focused scrutiny
The August 15 election is being contested by 14 candidates, with incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke, the APC candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, and the ADC candidate, Najeem Salaam, among those seeking the governorship.
CJAN said the range of candidates and policy positions gives voters an opportunity to compare their programmes and records rather than voting solely along party lines.
The organisation urged young voters to examine the candidates’ positions on employment, education, entrepreneurship, skills acquisition, technology, sports, creative industries, healthcare, security and youth participation in governance.
Four areas of focus
CJAN said its position is consistent with its broader work around youth advocacy, capacity building and training, access to information and resources, and recognition and storytelling.
Ajayi said the areas provide a framework for assessing what youth-centred governance should entail.
He called for greater youth representation in policy development and decision-making, sustainable pathways connecting education and skills to employment and entrepreneurship, and improved access to reliable information on government programmes and opportunities.
The organisation also stressed the need to recognise and protect young Nigerians contributing to national development, including members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
CJAN demands better welfare for corps members
The organisation renewed its call for adequate security and welfare for corps members deployed for election duties.
CJAN urged relevant authorities to provide adequate transportation, accommodation, allowances, medical support and other necessary welfare provisions for corps members participating in the electoral process.
It also called on political parties, candidates and their supporters to respect the neutrality of corps members and refrain from intimidation, harassment, inducement or any attempt to compromise their duties.
Ajayi said corps members are young Nigerians carrying out a national assignment and should not be exposed to unnecessary risks because of political competition.
“Corps members are young Nigerians carrying out a national assignment. They should not be exposed to unnecessary risks because of political competition,” he said.
Building on previous election advocacy
CJAN said its intervention in Osun follows previous election-related advocacy, including its work around the 2025 Anambra governorship election and the 2026 FCT Area Council elections, where it focused on youth participation, peaceful elections, corps members’ welfare and issue-based voting.
The organisation said young people should not be treated merely as campaign crowds or electoral mobilisation tools but as stakeholders whose interests should influence governance.
‘Your vote is your voice’
CJAN urged young people to reject electoral violence, vote buying, misinformation and intimidation and instead assess candidates based on competence, character, track record and policy proposals.
“CJAN is not asking young people to vote for a particular candidate. We are asking them to understand what they are voting for,” Ajayi said.
He urged voters to study the candidates, compare their programmes and make decisions based on the kind of future they want for themselves and the state.
“Do not sell four years for a momentary benefit. Do not allow yourself to be used for electoral violence. Do not vote blindly because of party loyalty. Your vote is your voice, and your choice has consequences,” he added.
CJAN also called on whoever emerges as governor to treat young people as partners in governance and establish measurable youth-focused programmes with mechanisms for public accountability.
The organisation said its ultimate goal was to ensure that young people move from being treated as electoral numbers to becoming active participants and stakeholders at the centre of governance.
It urged Osun voters to “vote peacefully, vote wisely, vote for competence and vote for accountability.”
