By Ekuson Nw’Ogbunka
Abuja
Nigerian youth leaders across all political parties have demanded a generational power shift by 2031, urging presidential candidates in 2027 to publicly commit to handing over to leaders under 60 after one term.
The call was made by Hon. Eze Onyebuchi Chukwu, National Youth Leader of APGA and Chairman, Forum of National Youth Leaders of All Political Parties in Nigeria, during the “National Youth Leaders Hangout with Journalists” held Saturday at Kapital Klub, Asokoro.
Addressing guests including Youth Minister Comrade Ayodele Olawande Wisdom, Senator Shehu Sani, and IPAC Chairman Dr. Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, Chukwu said youths constitute over 60% of Nigeria’s population yet remain “grossly underrepresented” in governance.
“Any nation that ignores its youths has made peace with stagnation,” he said, noting that young leaders like Anthony Enahoro, Nnamdi Azikiwe, and Tafawa Balewa drove independence but today’s youths are reduced to “political foot soldiers.”
Chukwu lamented that youths are mobilized for rallies and social media battles but vanish from power-sharing after elections. “The most painful part is that many leaders now empower youths who make themselves available for ungodly acts,” he said.
The forum declared it is not demanding the presidency in 2027 but insists any candidate seeking youth support must commit to “youth inclusion in governance and generational transition” by 2031. “We want the next President after 2031 to be a younger Nigerian below 60,” Chukwu stated.
He challenged the media to project competent young Nigerians, not just crime or protests. “The media can humanize or demonize generations. Show the nation the visionary youths ready to govern,” he urged.
At the end of the hangout, the forum issued a 10-point communique demanding sweeping reforms. It called on 2027 presidential candidates and party chairmen to make public oral or written pledges to facilitate power transition to under-60s in 2031.
On party politics, the communique urged national chairmen to enforce youth inclusion beyond the single youth leader post and ensure youths participate in candidate selection. It also demanded 70% discounts on nomination forms for aspirants aged 35 and below.
Addressing unemployment, the forum asked President Tinubu to establish National Youth Skills Acquisition and Empowerment Centres in all 774 LGAs and six FCT Area Councils, alongside soft loans, grants, and tech funding for young entrepreneurs.
The youth leaders declared the 30% youth quota “no longer enough,” demanding 70% representation in appointive and elective posts while elders retain 30% as “custodians of wisdom.” They also want youth advisory councils attached to ministries to vet policies before passage.
