Engr. Ibrahim Fari Shafiu, popularly known as “Last Kobo” who is one of the notable Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) youth leaders in Kogi State and also one of the frontier of a peace initiative movement known as “Say No to Violence,” has cautioned youths in Kogi Central against allowing themselves to be used as instruments of violence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking against the backdrop of the political activities expected to precede the 2027 elections, Shafiu particularly urged young people who did not witness the political unrest of 2007, which occurred during the struggle over the governorship power-shift and power-retention movement, to learn from the experiences of the past.
According to him, history has already shown the devastating consequences of political violence. He observed that many of the youths who participated in political violence in the past are no longer alive, while even some of those who survived and later aspired to political positions were denied the opportunity to advance.
“Everyone is entitled to their choice. Elections shouldn’t be by violence. Anyone who intends to get involved in violence should have a rethink,” he cautioned.
Shafiu further challenged youths to ask themselves a fundamental question if any of the aspiring politician will willingly expose their own children to the same violence they encourage others to participate in?
He noted that none of the politicians seeking power would arm their own children or encourage them to risk their lives in political violence. Rather, he said, it is often the youths who are left to bear the consequences.
“None of the politicians will ever arm any of their children to imbibe in violence,” he said, emphasizing that what Kogi Central needs is issue-based campaigning, not intimidation, violence or empty rhetoric.
He called on politicians and their supporters to focus on telling the people what they have done, what they intend to do, and how their proposed policies will improve the lives of the people.
Shafiu therefore urged the younger generation not to repeat the mistakes of the past simply because of temporary political benefits.
He also appealed to Kogi Central youths not to be carried away by what he described as “Greek gifts and empty promises” from politicians seeking their support.
As the 2027 elections approach, Shafiu urged youths to remain politically conscious, peaceful, and focused on issues that directly affect their future, stressing that political participation should be about choosing leaders and demanding accountability—not sacrificing lives for politicians.
