A non-governmental organization, the League of Progressive Ambassadors of Nigeria (LEPAN) has urged the youth in Anambra state to come out en-masse during the forthcoming gubernatorial elections in the state.
In an interview with NAIJ.com, the LEPAN’s programme officer, Olalekan Adigun, talks about the next gubernatorial election in Anambra state, why youth should come out en-masse to vote for their respective candidates during the election, LEPAN’s partnership with INEC and its vision among other issues.
What is the vision behind establishing LEPAN?
Thank you very much for your question. The League of Progressive Ambassadors of Nigeria (LEPAN) was formed over two years ago. The vision behind LEPAN is the need to improve the socio-economic and political wellbeing of the Nigerian youths.
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These issues are interconnected. The youths need jobs, better education, and improved social infrastructure. But all these are connected to the political process. It is the politicians that allocate how much goes to job creation, education and infrastructure.
A cross session of youth at a programme recently organised by LEPAN in Anambra ahead of the next gubernatorial election in the state
So, if the youths are not economically empowered, it becomes difficult for us to mobilise them for social and political changes. So, basically, LEPAN is about the youths and their well-being.
Why did LEPAN choose to organise a sensitisation awareness ahead of the forthcoming Anambra election?
On Saturday 3 November, 2017 we held a well-attended event on the topic: "Overcoming the challenges of voter apathy among the youths" at the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (formerly Anambra state university), Igbariam Campus, on the need for the youths to turn out in their numbers to vote and participate in the democratic process.
One of the participants during the debate session
You will recall that the gubernatorial election in the state is coming up on November 18. The need to mobilise the youths to vote in the said election has become imperative.
The choice of the topic, the time, and the venue is both strategic and deliberate. The campus boasts of the largest single population of young Anambrarians who are eligible to vote. The time was also well-considered.
There is a lot of disinterest especially among the youths about voting. This calls for concerns. This is why our organization, LEPAN, is shouldering this responsibility of sensitizing, mobilizing and educating the youths on the need to vote.
It is generally believed that most of the elections held in Nigeria recently were marred by irregularities despite political awareness and sensitisation by civil society groups, how does LEPAN wish to make a difference in the coming Anambra election or is there any measure to be put in place to ensure hitch-free election?
Like I said earlier, there is a lot of disinterest among the youths in the democratic process, not just in Anambra. You will recall I said the youths care about better education, jobs, and favourable business environment. A lot of youths are unemployed. A lot of youths have turned to crime as a way of making a living. Some have turned to drug abuse and the likes. These, I must confess, are real challenges.
Members of a drama group entertaining the participants during the programme
But, LEPAN as an organization will continue to sensitize, mobilise and educate the youths on their civic obligations. The challenges, notwithstanding.
Is LEPAN partnering with INEC and other civic groups over the next Anambra election and what is the expectation before, during and after the election?
Yes. LEPAN is collaborating with INEC, and other civil society organisations to ensure a free and fair election. Our expectations are that the security agencies, the electoral umpire and other law enforcement agencies will improve their games before, during and after the election.
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What is the philosophy behind the concept one man one vote?
The #1vote is one of the several LEPAN intuitive at civic engagement. The philosophy behind it is that every citizen has one vote with which s/he can make a difference. With #1vote, the life of a nation can either change or remain stagnant forever. This is why we are promoting the #1vote campaign starting with Anambra election.
LEPAN's team in a group photograph at the event
Meanwhile, NAIJ.com had previously reported that the national coordinator APGA media warriors forum, Evang Chinedu Obigwe, called on President Muhammadu Buhari to use his good office to ward off any electoral malpractice in the forthcoming Anambra gubernatorial election.
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Source: Naija.ng
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