A good governance advocate, Oluwatosin Babatunde, has urged Nigerian youths, particularly those in Osun State, to take full advantage of the ongoing Continuous Voters Registration (CVR) exercise to actively participate in the process of electing credible leaders ahead of the August 8, 2026, Osun State governorship election.

Babatunde made the call on Tuesday during a media chat with journalists in Osogbo, stressing that the future of Osun State and Nigeria largely depends on the level of youth involvement in democratic processes.

According to him, years of poor governance across the country can be traced to voter apathy, especially among young people, noting that youths constitute the largest voting population but often fail to utilise their numerical strength during elections.

He said, “As an advocate of good governance, I strongly believe that leadership begins with the ballot. The ongoing voter registration is a rare opportunity for youths to correct past mistakes by ensuring they are registered, ready, and determined to vote for credible and competent leaders.”

Babatunde emphasised that Osun youths hold the key to determining who emerges as the next governor of the state if they collectively participate in the electoral process.

“Youths must understand that their votes matter. If they come out in large numbers to register and vote, they will decide the direction of Osun State. This is not the time for indifference or political complacency,” he stated.

He cautioned young people against being used as instruments of violence, thuggery or inducement by politicians, urging them instead to focus on issues such as accountability, transparency, job creation and inclusive development when choosing candidates.

“Our votes should not be exchanged for short-term benefits. We must support candidates with proven character, integrity and a clear vision for development. That is the only pathway to good governance,” Babatunde added.

The advocate also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that the registration exercise remains transparent, accessible and hitch-free, while appealing to civil society organisations, traditional rulers and the media to intensify voter education across urban and rural communities in the state.

He expressed optimism that increased youth participation in the 2026 governorship election would usher in a new era of responsible leadership, strengthen democratic institutions and accelerate development in Osun State.

Babatunde concluded by urging youths to see voter registration and participation as a civic duty rather than a favour to politicians, insisting that democracy can only thrive when citizens take ownership of the process.