Ahead of the January 26 governorship primaries of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti State, youths in the party have asked hopefuls and other stakeholders to sheathe their sword and embrace peace for the party to win the June 18 governorship vote.

The party, which had been embroiled in a severe crisis for the previous two years, has recently seen a number of agitations and protests due to the purported seizure of the ad hoc ward delegates congress, which was intended to elect three delegates for the governorship primary from each of the 177 wards.

Under the banner of Victory Advocates of Nigeria (VAN), the young people declared that it was imperative that the candidates and their inclinations unite and set aside their own agendas in the “overall interest of the suffering residents of the state who were looking up to the opposition party.”

Speaking at an event organized by the organization titled “Ekiti Peace and Unity Summit” in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, over the weekend, VAN’s national president, Seyi Ajibola, stated that the youngsters were interested in the party’s unity and would do everything in their power to ensure peace.

Former PDP presidential campaign spokesperson Segun Showunmi, former Ondo state party media director Zadok Akintoye, former state PDP chairman Chief Bola Olu-Oju, and other notable figures spoke and received awards at the event.

The youth group leader stated that no one person could guarantee the party’s success until the gladiators showed up and cooperated, regardless of the party’s nominee.

He disclosed the group’s expectations for Wednesday’s primary, stating that only respectable, well-liked, and trustworthy candidates could inspire the supporters and voters to vote in favor of them.

He insisted that the organization would step up its efforts to educate citizens and young people before the election, revealing that their funding comes only from the donations of ordinary members rather than from any politicians.

“We have many compounded issues in the Ekiti PDP that, if care is not taken, will mar our chances, regardless of the candidates put forward,” he declared. Beyond party politics, we need to put aside our self-interest and handle our internal problem.

“As young people, we think we can unite them around a common goal and togetherness, rather than merely following them and turning into their tools. We can contribute a great deal of suggestions.

Ajibola commented, “We can’t say they are having a disagreement or not on the same page, they might have little issues and we youth don’t join issues with them,” in reference to the current turmoil and disagreement among the leaders ahead of the poll. In the best interests of the party, they ought to resolve their disagreements.

Regarding the kind of candidate the party ought to present, the young leader stated, “Let me just say that all the candidates are capable and whoever the part puts forward, we will support him. We want a candidate that can project the image and win for the party.”

“However, we urge the party’s leaders to unite; they shouldn’t let the internal discord undermine the party’s prospects in the June 18 governorship election.”