The Ejigbo Youth Forum (EYF), the largest umbrella body representing youths in Ejigbo Local Government Area of Osun State, has distanced itself from the purported endorsement of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, describing the exercise as a partisan activity that does not reflect the collective position of Ejigbo youths.
The President of the Forum, Comrade Ajayi Wasiu, in a statement issued on Thursday, said the organisation was neither consulted nor involved in the rally, press conference, or endorsement reported by The Punch under the headline, โOsun Poll: Youths Rally Support for Oyebamiji.โ He maintained that the individuals who addressed the press did not have the mandate to speak on behalf of the youths across the 11 wards of Ejigbo Local Government.
According to the statement, the group that identified itself as Ejigbo Youth Stakeholders comprised known APC members and campaign officials, including Miftau Adebowale, identified as a member of the AMBO Campaign Council, Olayanju Kolapo Africa, and Hon. Bashir Akintegbe, both described as APC Yes/No Local Government Chairmen, alongside other party loyalists.
The Forum further alleged that the participants appeared in APC/AMBO-branded attire and that the press conference was held at the residence of Hon. Ayodele David (ASLER), the APC candidate for Ede North/Ede South/Egbedore/Ejigbo Federal Constituency in the 2027 general election, whom it alleged financed the event.
The youth body stressed that the opinions expressed at the gathering were solely those of the participants and should not be construed as the position of Ejigbo youths.
The Forum expressed concern over what it described as an attempt by partisan actors to project themselves as representatives of the entire youth population, warning that such actions were misleading, divisive, and capable of creating a false impression that Ejigbo youths had unanimously adopted a political position.
It emphasised that the youth constituency in Ejigbo remains politically diverse and independent, noting that no individual or political group has the authority to appropriate the collective voice of young people in the local government for partisan interests.
The statement noted that the Ejigbo Youth Forum serves as the umbrella platform for recognised youth organisations in the area, including the Youth Assembly of Nigeria (YAN), National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Ejigbo Muslim Youth Forum (EMYF), and the Ejigbo Local Government Area Studentsโ Association (ELGASA), among others. It said these organisations have consistently provided credible platforms for promoting youth development, unity, and community engagement.
Highlighting its contributions to community development, the Forum listed its involvement in advocating for fuel pump price regulation, the renovation of the Ejigbo Town Hall, the reopening and rehabilitation of the Ejigbo City Stadium, as well as campaigns against poor electricity supply and efforts that contributed to reconnecting Ejigboโs power supply to Osogbo.
While affirming the constitutional rights of individuals and political parties to campaign for candidates of their choice, the Forum insisted that partisan activities must not be portrayed as the collective decision of Ejigbo youths.
The organisation reaffirmed its non-partisan status and commitment to youth development, civic engagement, peace, and the overall progress of Ejigbo Local Government, pledging to continue working with stakeholders across political divides to improve opportunities for young people.
As the August 15 governorship election approaches, the Forum urged youths to remain peaceful, participate responsibly in the electoral process, reject political intolerance, and vote according to their conscience.
It also called on politicians and their supporters to refrain from involving established youth organisations in partisan activities without their consent, stressing that the integrity and independence of recognised youth institutions must be respected.
