The leader of the Royal Ambassadors of the Nigeria Baptist Convention, Bitebo Eregoba, has urged young Nigerians to resist attempts by politicians to involve them in electoral violence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He warned youths against ballot-box snatching, voter intimidation and other unlawful activities, noting that those who participate in such acts could face serious legal consequences while their political sponsors remain untouched.
Eregoba spoke on Wednesday during a media briefing at the Baptist Church in Ibara, Abeokuta, Ogun State, where he unveiled plans to train over 2,000 young men from different parts of the country at the organisation’s forthcoming National Leadership Training Conference.
He appealed to young people not to allow financial rewards or promises from politicians to push them into actions that could jeopardise their freedom, reputation and future.
“There are people who will come to you with money and tell you to go and cause trouble on election day. They will tell you to snatch ballot boxes, to harass voters, to intimidate people and to foment violence. Do not accept it,” he cautioned.
The Baptist leader explained that young people often bear the consequences of election-related offences, including arrest, prosecution and imprisonment, while those who encourage them to commit such acts may escape punishment.
“If anything goes wrong, if a life is lost, if property is destroyed, the man who sent you will not be in the dock. He will be in his house, eating, while you sit in a cell,” he said.
He encouraged youths to prioritise their future and avoid being drawn into political activities that threaten peaceful elections and democratic participation.
Eregoba also called on parents, church leaders and pastors to take a more active role in monitoring young people’s social circles and activities, particularly as the next general elections approach.
“Know their friends, know who is calling them, know who is giving them money. A boy who leaves the house in the morning and returns at night with a new phone deserves a question, not a celebration,” he said.
The planned leadership conference, which has the theme “Divine Companionship,” is designed to strengthen the character, leadership abilities and sense of responsibility of young men while encouraging them to reject harmful social practices.
According to Eregoba, the annual programme will also provide an opportunity for members of the organisation nationwide to assess their performance, identify shortcomings and establish priorities for the coming year.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo and the Toluwade of Akinale, Oba Oluseyi Adediran, are expected to attend the gathering as special guests of honour.
Eregoba said the Royal Ambassadors was established to nurture young men who uphold Christian values, serve their communities and contribute positively to society.
He stressed that the organisation’s work extended beyond religious activities to include initiatives aimed at tackling social problems and promoting discipline among young people.
“The Royal Ambassadors, as a missions and discipline organisation, has never seen itself as a club that meets on Sunday and disappears on Monday. We are raised to make disciples, and discipline is part of discipleship,” he said.
He disclosed that the organisation had introduced Anti-Social Vices Clubs in states where it operates, with activities extending to local government areas to address drug abuse, indiscipline and other social challenges.
The initiative, he said, involves collaboration with agencies and institutions, including the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Nigeria Police Force, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, National Orientation Agency, schools, community leaders and civil society groups.
The cleric further emphasised the importance of providing assistance to disadvantaged youths affected by poverty and unemployment, saying that addressing these difficulties was essential to preparing them for productive lives.
Speaking on the conference theme, Eregoba raised concerns about the lack of adequate guidance and emotional support available to some young Nigerians.
He noted that limited parental involvement and the increasing responsibilities of teachers and religious leaders had left some young people without the mentorship they needed.
“The deepest problem facing a young person in Nigeria today is not poverty alone. It is not unemployment alone. It is not even bad leadership alone. It is that he is walking his journey alone,” he said.
He added that the conference would encourage stronger mentorship and support systems to help young people make sound decisions and navigate the pressures of society.
Eregoba also expressed gratitude to the Ogun Baptist Conference, led by Coun. Moses Okunola, for hosting this year’s National Leadership Training Conference in Abeokuta.