House of Representatives Calls on Youth to Shape 2027 Elections
The House of Representatives has urged Nigerian youth to take a leading role in shaping the country’s democratic future by actively participating in the 2027 general elections. According to the House, the decisions and civic engagement of young Nigerians will significantly influence the credibility of the electoral process.
This appeal was made on Thursday during the Youth Town Hall, a key event of the 2026 National Assembly Open Week held at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja. The Majority Leader, Julius Ihonvbere, who represented Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, stated that the 10th House has prioritized youth inclusion through legislation and policy reforms aimed at expanding opportunities for young Nigerians.
Youth Town Hall: A Platform for Policy Influence
Mr Ihonvbere emphasized that the Youth Town Hall has evolved beyond an annual dialogue, noting that recommendations from previous editions have informed constitutional amendment proposals 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 said.
He highlighted several youth-related legislative initiatives, including the National Youth Service Corps Reform Bill, the proposed Nigerian Youth Welfare Scheme Fund Bill sponsored by Mr Tajudeen, and a constitutional amendment bill seeking to lower the minimum age for governorship candidates from 35 to 30 years.
Reforms to Boost Innovation and Job Creation
Mr Ihonvbere also cited reforms in education financing, taxation, electricity, cybersecurity, and the digital economy, describing them as measures designed to boost innovation, job creation, and entrepreneurship. With preparations for the 2027 elections already accelerating, he noted that young Nigerians, as the country’s largest voting population, will play a decisive role in determining the future of its 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 said.
He added that the House remains committed to making young people active participants in governance through legislation promoting education, digital literacy, entrepreneurship, innovation, and employment.
Minister of Youth Development Commends Dialogue Platform
In his goodwill message, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, commended the National Assembly for institutionalizing the Youth Town Hall, describing it as an important platform for dialogue between lawmakers and young Nigerians. He said previous administrations had created a gap between youth and public institutions but noted that the current government is working to strengthen 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 said.
Mr Olawande said the Ministry of Youth Development has introduced platforms to facilitate direct interaction with young citizens while implementing programmes on entrepreneurship, digital skills, vocational training, and access to affordable financing. According to him, initiatives such as the Nigerian Youth Academy, digital skills programmes, youth enterprise support schemes, and the proposed Youth Green Fund are intended to prepare young Nigerians for opportunities in the digital and green economies.
NASENI Chief Urges Youth to Embrace Innovation
Also speaking, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Khalil Halilu, urged young Nigerians to embrace innovation, technology, and artificial intelligence as drivers of economic growth. He said countries will increasingly be defined by their capacity for innovation rather than natural resources, adding that NASENI’s Innovate Nigeria programme offers grants of up to ₦250 million to support innovators, inventors, and technology-based enterprises. Mr Halilu encouraged youth to continue developing skills and innovative solutions capable of addressing Nigeria’s development challenges.
