As Nigeria marked 27 years of uninterrupted civilian rule on June 12, 2026, the Forum of National Youth Leaders of All Political Parties in Nigeria, (FNYLPPN), used the occasion to deliver a two-pronged message: fix insecurity immediately, and prepare for a deliberate transfer of political power to young Nigerians by 2031. In a statement delivered by Chairman Comr. Eze Onyebuchi Chukwu, the Forum said youths are no longer asking for inclusion, but for leadership transition from “Gerontocracy to Youthocracy, writes by Ekuson Nw’Ogbunka from Abuja. Excerpts.
The Forum of National Youth Leaders of All Political Parties in Nigeria joins millions of Nigerians in celebrating the resilience of our democracy and the sacrifices of those who fought for democratic governance. June 12 is more than a holiday; it is a call to reflect on the nation’s future and the place of young people in shaping it.
Democracy thrives when every segment of society is represented, included, and given a voice. Yet Nigerian youths, who constitute the majority of the population and remain the driving force of innovation, entrepreneurship and activism, continue to be grossly underrepresented in governance and decision-making processes.
FNYLPPN believes the next stage of Nigeria’s democratic development must include a deliberate and structured transition of leadership responsibilities to a younger generation of competent, capable, and patriotic Nigerians. “If we be the majority, we should carry the vote,” the Forum stated.
The shift in language is intentional. “We are no longer asking for inclusion, we are asking for transition from Gerontocracy to Youthocracy. It’s time to prepare the youths of Nigeria for leadership takeover.” For the Forum, inclusion has been discussed for decades; transition is now the demand.
The youth leaders acknowledged the sacrifices, contributions and leadership of Nigeria’s founding fathers in building the nation. But they argued that every successful society deliberately prepares and empowers the next generation to assume leadership responsibilities.
History supports their case, they said. Nigeria’s struggle for independence and early nation-building was championed by energetic young nationalists who believed in a better future. Throughout our history, young Nigerians have consistently demonstrated courage, competence, innovation, and the capacity to lead.
Today, according to FNYLPPN, Nigerian youths are not asking for inclusion or representation but leadership transfer. The goal is opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the governance and development of the country, not symbolic appointments.
Accordingly, the Forum calls on all political parties to create practical pathways for youth leadership and participation, and to reduce barriers that prevent young people from actively engaging in politics and governance. Party constitutions, nomination fees and internal democracy must reflect this shift.
The National Assembly and policymakers were also urged to continue strengthening frameworks that will ensure a smooth and strategic transition to the youths. Laws, electoral reforms and party guidelines must codify generational handover, not leave it to goodwill.
As Democracy Day is celebrated, FNYLPPN urged Nigerian youths not to lose faith in Nigeria. They must remain peaceful, law-abiding, productive and actively engaged in the democratic process through education, entrepreneurship, leadership development and civic participation.
“The time has come for Nigeria to move from merely speaking about youth inclusion to implementing total leadership handover to the youths,” the Forum declared. “The time has come for a national conversation on generational leadership transition. The time has come to build a Nigeria where experience and youthful energy work together for national progress.”
The Forum therefore calls on all presidential hopefuls, political parties, elected officials, traditional institutions, civil society organizations, the media, and all stakeholders to join this important national conversation. The reason is simple: a nation that continually excludes its youths from leadership weakens its future; a nation that empowers its youths secures its future.
Beyond leadership, FNYLPPN used the Democracy Day platform to address Nigeria’s worsening insecurity. Speaking for millions of young Nigerians across political, religious and tribal divides, the Forum expressed deep concern over continuous loss of lives to terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes.
The youth leaders condemned in strong terms all forms of security sabotage, whether by security agents, criminal elements, collaborators, or those who profit from the suffering of Nigerians. Insecurity, they said, is unacceptable and must be treated as a national emergency.
FNYLPPN called on the Federal Government, security agencies, state governments, traditional institutions and communities to “up their games” against insecurity and restore safety across the nation. Security is the foundation on which democracy and development rest.
The Forum also appealed to social media users to stop amplifying the propaganda of criminals by sharing their videos, pictures and threats. “Holding government accountable is our civic responsibility but we must be cautious not to indirectly fuel the insecurity we are fighting against. The more we trend their activities, the more they do.”
On the 2027 and 2031 electoral cycle, FNYLPPN made a direct demand to presidential candidates: publicly promise Nigerian youths a plan to hand over power to a younger, competent and patriotic Nigerian in 2031. The Forum clarified it is not calling for exclusion of elders, nor demanding power in 2027 since parties have concluded candidate selection.
“All we are asking for is a generational leadership transition in 2031 that will marry the energy and innovation of the youths with the experience and the wisdom of the elders,” the statement said. The proposal frames 2031 as Nigeria’s next democratic milestone.
The Forum concluded with a charge to the nation: Democracy Day must move beyond rhetoric. For youths, the dividends must be security and a clear path to leadership. “The Nigerian Youth Demand: Security and Generational Leadership Transition,” the statement was titled.
The statement was signed by Hon. Comr. Eze Onyebuchi Chukwu, Chairman of FNYLPPN and National Youth Leader of APGA, with Comr. Ozu Frederick Important, Publicity Secretary of FNYLPPN and National Youth Leader of PRP, as announcer. The Forum wished all Nigerians a Happy Democracy Day and prayed: “God bless the youths of Nigeria. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
