Youth group warns leaders against inciting remarks

A youth advocacy group, Nigeria Youth Organisation, has cautioned elected officials across the country to exercise restraint in their public communications, warning that statements capable of inflaming tensions could undermine democracy and national peace.

The group said public office holders must recognise the influence of their words and the responsibility that comes with leadership.

Addressing journalists on Monday in Abuja, the Deputy National President, Nigeria Youth Organisation, Nasir Doka, said democracy thrives on tolerance, dissent, criticism and competition of ideas, adding that political leaders should avoid rhetoric that could discourage citizens from exercising their constitutional rights

“We call upon all elected officials in Nigeria to remember that every public statement has consequences and that the preservation of peace must remain the highest duty of leadership.

“The Nigeria Youth Organisation firmly believes that democracy is sustained by tolerance, dissent, criticism, and competition of ideas. No democracy can flourish where citizens become afraid to express political opinions. No democracy can thrive where opposition voices fear intimidation. No democracy can mature where criticism of government is perceived as hostility,” the group stated.

According to the organisation, the rights to freedom of expression, association and political participation are guaranteed under the Constitution and should be protected by all democratic actors.

“These rights are not privileges granted by government officials. They are constitutional rights belonging to every Nigerian citizen,” it said.

The group added that comments capable of creating the impression that critics or political opponents could face consequences beyond democratic processes should attract public scrutiny.

It also expressed concern about the impact of political rhetoric on young people, noting that youths often model their behaviour after public leaders.

“Nigeria’s youths carefully observe the conduct of political leaders. When leaders speak, young people listen. When leaders demonstrate tolerance, youths learn tolerance. When leaders exhibit restraint, youths learn restraint,” it said.

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The organisation warned that language associated with confrontation, destruction or intimidation could be misunderstood by supporters and potentially fuel hostility.

“However, when influential leaders employ language associated with confrontation, destruction, or intimidation, some supporters may wrongly interpret such rhetoric as a call to hostility.

“This is particularly dangerous in a nation where political violence has historically claimed lives and undermined democratic progress,” it added.

The group said it would continue to speak out against statements it considers capable of escalating tensions in the polity.

“The Nigeria Youth Organisation refuses to remain silent when statements capable of inflaming tensions enter public discourse. Silence in the face of potentially inflammatory rhetoric is not neutrality; it is negligence,” it said.

The organisation further pledged to continue advocating democratic values and protecting citizens’ freedoms.

“The Nigeria Youth Organisation shall continue to defend democracy, promote peace, and speak whenever the rights and freedoms of Nigerian citizens appear to be at risk,” it added.

The remarks came as Nigeria gradually moves toward the 2027 general elections.

Against this backdrop, civil society voices and youth groups have continued to call for restraint in political communication, warning that inflammatory rhetoric or personal attacks could deepen tensions and undermine democratic stability.