The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Osun Central Senatorial District in the 2027 general elections, Kunle Rasheed Adegoke, SAN, has urged political leaders in the state to stop recruiting young people into political violence, warning that such exploitation could destroy the future of an entire generation.

Adegoke, who described youth violence, cultism and drug abuse as growing threats to the state, said political competition must never become a justification for sacrificing the lives and future of young people.

He called for a comprehensive strategy combining job creation, skills development, effective policing, drug-abuse prevention, rehabilitation and responsible political leadership.

“Youths must not be turned into weapons for political ambitions,” Adegoke said.

“Do not allow anyone to turn your future into a weapon. Do not kill for anybody. Do not die for anybody’s political ambition.”

The APC candidate said the government must urgently create pathways for young people to earn legitimate livelihoods, arguing that unemployment and lack of opportunities could make vulnerable youths susceptible to recruitment by criminal and political networks.

He identified agriculture, agro-processing, technology, manufacturing, construction, logistics, sports, tourism, renewable energy and creative industries as sectors where young people could be empowered.

According to him, investment in youth employment should not be regarded merely as an economic policy but as an important component of the state’s security strategy.

Adegoke also urged security agencies to operate professionally and impartially, insisting that political connections must not determine how cases of violence are handled.

“Justice must be even-handed, and the identity or political connections of those involved in violence should not determine how the law is applied,” he said.

He equally called for stronger action against drug abuse, urging government and relevant agencies to combine enforcement with prevention, treatment and rehabilitation.

The APC candidate proposed an Osun Youth Peace and Security Summit to bring together key stakeholders to develop a coordinated response to the growing security challenges involving young people.

He said the proposed summit should result in a clear action plan with measurable targets, timelines and assigned responsibilities.

Adegoke also called on parents and community leaders to strengthen mentorship and supervision, stressing that the fight against youth violence could not be left exclusively to security agencies.

He said schools should also place greater emphasis on conflict resolution, civic responsibility and peaceful engagement.

“Your life is more valuable than any political disagreement. Choose peace. Choose dialogue. Choose Osun,” he appealed to young people.

Adegoke said that, if elected, he would use his position in the Senate to advocate federal programmes and funding aimed at youth employment, sports development and stronger institutional capacity to tackle drug abuse.

“Enough is enough. Osun must not become a theatre of violence. Our young people deserve a future,” he added.