2Baba takes Vote Not Fight Campaign to Anambra youth

In a bid to sensitise the youth, as well as promote peaceful ahead of the forthcoming governorship election in Anambra State billed for Nocember18, award winning hip-hop artiste 2Baba has taken his Vote Not Fight Campaign to the state.

His visit on Thursday witnessed the inauguration of ‘Vote Not Fight, Election No Be War’ campaign in collaboration with 2Face Idibia Foundation, Youngstars Development Initiative (YDI) and Youth Initiative for Advocacy, Growth and Advancement (YIAGA). Other partners in the project include Centre for Ethics and Youth Development (CEYD), Gender Perspective and Social Development Centre (GPSDC) and Integrity Youth Development Initiative (IYDI).

Speaking at the event in Awka, the Anambra State capital, 2Baba, who is also the Campari brand ambassador, stressed the need for all to work together to prevent needless loss of lives before, during and after the election.

“Since 2015, I and the partner organisations on the Vote Not Fight campaign have worked tirelessly to increase youth participation in our country’s election. I call on youth of Anambra to ensure that they go out and vote for the candidates of their choice,” he said.

The African Queen crooner noted that, the legitimacy of government is dependent on peaceful, free, fair and credible elections, adding, “even if Biafra is granted today, you still need peace for elections to hold. We have to go out, show maturity and vote responsibly; we have to monitor and engage our leaders. I encourage our youths to join political parties of their choice and grow to help make informed decisions,” he said.

The singer urged political parties and candidates to utilise established legal avenues in resolving political disagreements. He further urged traditional and religious rulers, elder statesmen as well as youth and women groups to join the campaign against violent election and play by the rules.

Earlier, Mr Kingsley Bangwell of Yougstars Foundation disclosed that some Anambra-based youth groups had been trained on non-violent election advocacy and voter education skills to ensure effective campaigns. Bangwell said that the youth acquired training on advocacy skills to enable them organise their communities for peaceful participation in the governorship election.

In his remarks, Chairman of Peoples Progressives Alliance (PPA) in the state, Mr Mathias Ameke, commended 2Baba for taking the bold step to promote peaceful elections, and urged on politicians need to obey the rule of law.

“Young people are key to nationhood and until they are led on the right path, they may continue to deviate. They must be taught that elections are not do-or-die and taught to develop spirit of sportsmanship,” he said.

The singer had earlier got some governorship candidates in the forthcoming election to endorse the campaign. They include Mr Oseloka Obaze of PDP and Gov. Willie Obiano of APGA, who also hosted 2Baba at the Governor’s Lodge during his visit.