2027: Reps Rally Youths to Shape Nigeria’s Democratic Future Through Active Participation

The House of Representatives has urged Nigerian youths to take centre stage in shaping the country’s democratic future by actively participating in the 2027 general elections, saying the quality of Nigeria’s democracy will depend largely on the choices and civic engagement of young people.

The call was made on Thursday during the Youth Town Hall, one of the flagship events of the 2026 National Assembly Open Week held at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja.

The forum brought together lawmakers, government officials, development partners, youth leaders, civil society organisations and students to discuss strategies for expanding youth participation in governance, democratic accountability and nation-building.

Speaking on behalf of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, the House Majority Leader, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, said the 10th House had deliberately prioritised youth development, inclusion and leadership in its legislative agenda.

He noted that the Youth Town Hall had evolved beyond a dialogue platform into an institutional mechanism through which young Nigerians contribute directly to policymaking and legislative reforms.

According to him, several proposals currently being considered as part of the ongoing constitutional amendment process and other key national policies emerged from recommendations made during previous editions of the Youth Town Hall.

“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,” Ihonvbere said.

He highlighted several youth-focused legislative initiatives undertaken by the House, including the passage of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Reform Bill, the proposed Nigerian Youth Welfare Scheme Fund Bill sponsored by Speaker Abbas, and the constitutional amendment bill seeking to reduce the minimum age for governorship candidates from 35 to 30 years.

The Majority Leader also cited reforms in education financing, taxation, electricity, cybersecurity and the digital economy as strategic interventions aimed at creating opportunities for innovation, employment and economic empowerment for young Nigerians.

With political activities ahead of the 2027 elections gathering momentum, Ihonvbere described youths as Nigeria’s largest voting bloc and a decisive force in determining the credibility and direction of the country’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 stated.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the House to ensuring that young people become active partners in governance rather than passive beneficiaries of government policies.

In his goodwill message, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, commended the National Assembly for institutionalising the Youth Town Hall, describing it as a landmark initiative that has opened the legislature to meaningful youth engagement.

He said previous administrations had inadvertently created a disconnect between young people and public institutions but noted that the current administration was reversing the trend through inclusive governance and sustained dialogue.

“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 said.

Olawande disclosed that the ministry had created several platforms to facilitate direct interaction between government and young citizens, while implementing programmes focused on entrepreneurship, digital skills development, vocational training and access to affordable financing.

He listed the Nigerian Youth Academy, digital skills initiatives, youth enterprise support programmes and the proposed Youth Green Fund among key interventions aimed at preparing Nigerian youths for opportunities in the digital and green economies.

Also speaking, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Khalil Suleiman Halilu, urged young Nigerians to embrace innovation, technology and artificial intelligence as tools for national development and global competitiveness.

He disclosed that NASENI’s Innovate Nigeria programme provides grants of up to ₦250 million to support innovators, inventors and technology-driven enterprises.

Halilu encouraged young people to continually upgrade their skills and develop innovative solutions to address Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges.

On its part, Yiaga Africa urged youths to move beyond discussions and translate their passion into sustained civic engagement before, during and after the 2027 general elections.

The organisation encouraged eligible young Nigerians to register to vote, participate actively in elections, reject misinformation, violence and hate speech, and hold elected officials accountable based on issues, performance and integrity rather than personalities or ethnic considerations.

Yiaga Africa also commended the National Assembly for promoting transparency, openness and citizen participation through the annual National Assembly Open Week.