The Coalition of South-East Youth Leaders (COSEYL) has declared a strict zero-tolerance policy against electoral fraud, vote-buying, and political intimidation in the South-East region ahead of the 2027 general elections. ​During a press conference held in Owerri, Imo State, on Saturday, October 31, 2026, the apex socio-political youth group across the geopolitical zone reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding democracy and protecting voters across the five South-Eastern states.
Speaking on behalf of the coalition, COSEYL President-General Comrade Goodluck Ibem delivered a resolute address warning political operatives that the youth movement across the five South-Eastern states would actively defend the region’s electoral integrity. ​attempts to rig elections, doctor figures, or intimidate voters will be met with widespread civic resistance, public accountability measures, and democratic mobilization across local communities.
Addressing the growing concern over voter financial inducement, the leadership stressed that South-East citizens would not trade their civic rights for short-term monetary gains. ​”The South East is not for sale,” Ibem declared during the presentation. “Our votes are not commodities; our democracy is not negotiable.” ​
Concluding the declaration, COSEYL issued a call to action urging youth organisations, traditional institutions, religious bodies, and civil society groups across the South-East to remain vigilant and actively defend the democratic rights of citizens in the lead-up to the 2027 polls.
