By Oluwakemi Kindness
The House of Representatives has called on Nigerian youths to take centre stage in shaping the country’s democratic future by actively participating in the 2027 general elections, describing them as the most influential force in determining the credibility and outcome of the polls.
The appeal was made on Thursday at the Youth Town Hall, a flagship event of the 2026 National Assembly Open Week held at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja, where lawmakers, government officials, civil society groups and youth leaders deliberated on strengthening democratic participation and accountability.
Speaking on behalf of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, the House Majority Leader, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, said the future of Nigeria’s democracy depends largely on the choices, conduct and active engagement of young Nigerians, who constitute the country’s largest voting bloc.
He urged youths to move beyond political debates and social media activism by registering to vote, participating in elections, engaging in governance and offering credible leadership.
“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,” Ihonvbere said.
The Majority Leader said the 10th House has made youth development, inclusion and leadership a key pillar of its legislative agenda, noting that recommendations from previous Youth Town Hall engagements have already influenced ongoing constitutional amendment proposals and other national policies.
He highlighted several youth-focused bills before the House, including the NYSC Reform Bill, the proposed Nigerian Youth Welfare Scheme Fund Bill and the constitutional amendment seeking to reduce the minimum age for governorship candidates from 35 to 30 years.
According to him, recent legislative reforms in education, taxation, electricity, cybersecurity and the digital economy are designed to create more opportunities for young people and position them for national development.
Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, commended the National Assembly for providing a platform that enables young Nigerians to engage directly with policymakers and contribute meaningfully to governance.
He said the Federal Government is expanding opportunities for youths through programmes focused on entrepreneurship, digital innovation, vocational skills development and improved access to finance.
“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.
Also speaking, Yiaga Africa called on young Nigerians to register to vote, reject electoral violence and misinformation, and hold elected leaders accountable based on integrity, competence and performance.
The organisation also lauded the National Assembly for promoting transparency, public engagement and citizen participation through the annual National Assembly Open Week.
The Youth Town Hall attracted lawmakers, government officials, youth organisations, students and civil society groups to discuss practical strategies for deepening youth participation in governance, promoting democratic accountability and advancing nation-building ahead of the 2027 general elections.
