Olufemi Ajadi, the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) senatorial candidate for Oyo Central Senatorial District, has called on young Nigerians in Oyo State to take ownership of the country's political process ahead of the 2027 general elections. He made the appeal on Friday while addressing journalists at a Youth Stakeholders' Engagement organised by the Agency for Youth Development.
Youth Stakeholders' Engagement in Ibadan
The event, held at the Ministry of Local Government Training Hall in Ibadan, brought together representatives from about 900 registered youth associations across Oyo State. The programme was designed to give young people a platform to voice their needs, identify barriers to empowerment and employment, and develop community-driven proposals. It also aimed to build stronger ties between youth groups and government institutions.
Speaking at the event, Ajadi said the gathering should serve as a turning point for Nigerian youths, pushing them from bystanders into active political participants. He argued that poor governance in Nigeria was partly a consequence of young people choosing to stay out of politics.
Ajadi Blames Youth Apathy for Bad Governance
"Over the decades, what we have been seeing is bad governance, and part of the reason is that Nigerian youths have failed to join politics. Because the youths refuse to participate, the old cabals and some of the bad eggs that have been in the system since the return of democracy in 1999 have continued to dominate the political space," he said.
He urged young people not to be put off by the negative image often attached to politics, saying they have the energy, ideas, and capacity needed to shift the direction of governance. He asked them to join political parties and use their numbers to push for meaningful change.
"The youths are the vibrant ones. They are the ones that can do something and contribute to the total development of our nation. That is why I am calling on them to come and participate in political affairs and change the bad narrative to a good one," Ajadi added.
APM Makes Sweeping 2027 Election Predictions
Ajadi also used the occasion to make confident declarations about his party's prospects in the 2027 polls, naming several candidates he expects to win.
"Presidential candidate of APM, Engineer Seyi Makinde, all our Senate candidates, all our House of Representatives candidates, State House of Assembly candidates, our governor, Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi, and our local government chairmen and councillors are going to win the elections. We are taking it all, by the grace of God," he declared.
He closed by urging participants to move from conversation to action, saying the future of Nigeria would depend on how willing young people are to vote, hold leaders accountable, and shape policies on education, employment, and economic development.
