Stakeholders Advocate Greater Youth Inclusion In Politics

Young Nigerians have been urged to become more actively involved in governance and political processes ahead of the 2027 general election, with stakeholders emphasizing the need for greater youth inclusion in democratic leadership and national development.

This formed the focus of discussions on Politics Today, a current affairs programme on Kapital FM, titled: “Beyond the Ballot: The Place of Nigerian Youths in the 2027 Political Conversation.”

Speaking during the programme, the Country Director of the Young Alliance for Good Governance in Africa, Gabriel Ashibi, stressed the importance of creating platforms that would position young people as critical stakeholders in Nigeria’s democratic process.

According to him, youths must move beyond being mere voters during elections to becoming active participants in governance, policy advocacy and issue-based political engagement.

“Young people should not only be seen during election periods. They must be engaged continuously through governance structures, political advocacy and meaningful participation in decision-making processes ahead of the 2027 general election,” Ashibi said.

He noted that with Nigeria’s growing youth population, deliberate efforts must be made to harness the energy, innovation and leadership potential of young people for sustainable national development.

Also speaking on the programme, Chairman of the Forum of National Youth Leaders of all Political Parties in Nigeria, Eze Oyebuchi-Chukwu, called on government at all levels to create opportunities that would enable youths contribute meaningfully to nation building.

He advocated inclusive leadership, political mentorship and empowerment programmes aimed at preparing young Nigerians for leadership responsibilities.

According to Oyebuchi-Chukwu, many Nigerian youths excelling abroad possess the knowledge, creativity and capacity needed to strengthen democratic institutions and promote national development if given adequate support and opportunities within the country.

“Our youths are doing exceptionally well across the world. What they need at home is an enabling environment that supports their ideas, leadership aspirations and contributions to governance,” he stated.

The guests collectively urged government, political parties, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to establish policies and frameworks that would encourage youth inclusion, leadership development and active participation in democratic processes.

Some callers who participated in the live programme also called for greater accountability in governance and the implementation of policies that would motivate more young Nigerians to actively participate in politics and leadership.

They maintained that empowering youths politically and economically would not only strengthen Nigeria’s democracy but also foster national unity, innovation and long-term development.

MON/Risi/ Eugene/Uju/Chinkata