Nigerian Youth Urged to Shape Democracy in 2027 Elections

The House of Representatives has called on Nigerian youth to take charge of the country's democratic future by actively participating in the 2027 general elections.

It emphasized that the choices of the youth and their level of civic engagement will greatly affect the credibility of the electoral process.

The House made this call on Thursday at the Youth Town Hall, part of the 2026 National Assembly Open Week at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja.

Majority Leader Julius Ihonvbere, who spoke on behalf of Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, stated that the 10th House has prioritized youth involvement through laws and reforms to create more opportunities for young Nigerians.

Mr Ihonvbere noted that the Youth Town Hall has grown beyond an annual meeting. He said that ideas from past editions have led to constitutional amendments and other national policies.

"Many of the ideas now reflected in the ongoing constitutional amendment proposals and other national policies were shaped by contributions made during previous editions of this Town Hall. Your voices have influenced outcomes, and that is precisely why this platform remains relevant," he stated.

He mentioned several youth-focused legislative initiatives. These include the National Youth Service Corps Reform Bill, the proposed Nigerian Youth Welfare Scheme Fund Bill introduced by Mr Tajudeen, and a bill to reduce the minimum age for governorship candidates from 35 to 30 years.

Mr Ihonvbere also highlighted reforms in education funding, taxation, electricity, cybersecurity, and the digital economy. He described these as efforts to encourage innovation, create jobs, and support entrepreneurship.

As plans for the 2027 elections ramp up, he pointed out that young Nigerians, being the largest voting group, will play a key role in shaping the nation's democracy.

"The quality of our elections and the future of our democracy will, to a large extent, be determined by the choices, conduct and active involvement of young Nigerians," he added.

Mr Ihonvbere assured that the House is dedicated to making young people active participants in governance through laws that boost education, digital skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, and job creation.

In his message, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, praised the National Assembly for establishing the Youth Town Hall. He called it an important space for discussion between lawmakers and young people.

He mentioned that past governments had created a gap between youth and public institutions but noted that the current administration aims to improve engagement and inclusive governance.

"It is very important that young Nigerians are given the space to speak, ask questions, share ideas and take part in decisions that affect their future," the minister stressed.

Mr Olawande explained that the Ministry of Youth Development has set up platforms for direct interaction with young citizens. They are also running programs on entrepreneurship, digital skills, vocational training, and affordable financing.

He said initiatives like the Nigerian Youth Academy, digital skills programs, youth enterprise support schemes, and the proposed Youth Green Fund aim to get young Nigerians ready for opportunities in the digital and green economies.

Also speaking, Khalil Halilu, the Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure, encouraged young Nigerians to embrace innovation, technology, and artificial intelligence as keys to economic growth.

He noted that countries will increasingly be judged by their ability to innovate rather than just their natural resources. He added that NASENI’s Innovate Nigeria program provides grants of up to ₦250 million to support innovators, inventors, and tech-based businesses.

Mr Halilu urged the youth to keep developing skills and innovative solutions to tackle Nigeria’s development challenges.