By Oluwakemi Kindness
The Forum of National Youth Leaders of All Political Parties in Nigeria (FNYLPPN) has called for deeper democratic reforms and more inclusive governance structures, urging political actors to expand meaningful participation for young Nigerians ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a Democracy Day 2026 message signed by its Chairman, Comrade Eze Chukwu, says Nigeria’s democratic system must move beyond symbolic inclusion and address persistent structural barriers limiting youth participation in governance and decision-making.
The Forum said although young Nigerians constitute the majority of the population and remain central to national development, they continue to face significant exclusion from leadership positions within political institutions and governance structures.
According to the group, strengthening democracy requires intentional reforms that allow capable young citizens to participate fully in political processes at all levels.
FNYLPPN stressed that democracy must reflect fairness, representation, and equal opportunity, warning that continued exclusion of young people risks weakening public trust and democratic stability.
The Forum called on political parties to review internal structures that hinder youth participation, including high nomination costs, limited access to party leadership platforms, and weak mentorship pathways for emerging leaders.
While acknowledging the contributions of experienced leaders to nation-building, the group maintained that sustainable democracy depends on continuous renewal and the integration of younger actors into governance systems.
It also referenced Nigeria’s historical experience, noting that young nationalists played a central role in the country’s independence struggle and early nation-building efforts.
FNYLPPN urged the National Assembly and policymakers to strengthen institutional frameworks that promote inclusive participation and reduce structural barriers in political engagement.
As Nigeria marks Democracy Day, the Forum encouraged young people to remain peaceful, law-abiding, and actively engaged in civic and political processes, while investing in education, entrepreneurship, and leadership development.
It further called on political parties, presidential aspirants, traditional institutions, civil society organizations, and the media to support national conversations on democratic inclusion and governance reform.
The Forum warned that any democracy that fails to reflect the diversity of its population risks weakening its legitimacy and long-term stability, stressing that inclusivity remains essential to national progress
