The Chairman of the Forum of National Youth Leaders of all Political Parties in Nigeria, Hon. Eze Onyebuchi Chukwu, has called for greater youth inclusion in governance and national political discussions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking during the National Youth Leaders Hangout with Journalists, themed “The Place of Nigerian Youths in the Political Discussions of 2027 and Beyond,” Chukwu said Nigerian youths have continued to play major roles during elections without being adequately represented in governance after political victories.
He said the gathering was aimed at pushing conversations around youth leadership, inclusion, and generational transition in Nigeria’s political system.
According to him, “The youths are not saying that they must produce the President in 2027. We are saying that any presidential candidate seeking the support of Nigerian youths must publicly commit himself to the conversation of youth inclusion in governance and generational transition of leadership of the country back to the youths.”
Chukwu, who is also the National Youth Leader of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), said young Nigerians make up more than 60 percent of the country’s population and remain active contributors in sectors such as technology, business, entertainment, sports, media, and activism.
Despite this, he argued that youths remain largely excluded from decision-making positions and leadership structures across the country.
“We determine election outcomes. We dominate the labour force. We drive innovation, entertainment, technology, sports, business, activism, and national conversations. Yet, we remain grossly underrepresented in the real corridors of power and governance,” he stated.
The youth leader accused politicians of mobilising young people during campaigns only to abandon them after elections.
“During campaigns, they are called ‘leaders of tomorrow.’ After victory, that tomorrow never comes,” he said.
Chukwu also criticised what he described as the growing culture of rewarding loyalty over competence in politics, warning that Nigeria cannot expect meaningful development while competent youths are sidelined.
He further revealed that youth leaders across political parties are advocating for a younger Nigerian to emerge as President after 2031.
“We want the next President of Nigeria after 2031 to be a younger Nigerian below the age of 60. This is not rebellion or disrespect to our elders but responsibility to the future of this country,” he said.
The APGA youth leader also called on media organisations to intentionally amplify the voices and achievements of competent young Nigerians instead of focusing only on negative stories involving youths.
“How often do we see media institutions deliberately helping credible young leaders build national visibility?” he asked.
Chukwu maintained that the future of Nigeria depends largely on how the country treats its young population, stressing that youths are ready to contribute meaningfully to governance and national development.
He added that the era where young people are “used and dumped” during elections must come to an end.
“The Nigerian youth is no longer willing to remain a spectator in the national affairs of their country. The time has come for genuine inclusion, practical empowerment, and intentional leadership development for young Nigerians,” he concluded.