The renewed call by the National Youth Wing of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for greater inclusion of young Nigerians in governance should go beyond speeches and political promises. As the country marks the 2026 International Youth Day with the theme, “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,” there is a compelling need for political parties and governments at all levels to create genuine opportunities for young people to participate in decision-making and leadership.
The APC National Youth Leader, Dayo Israel, observed that young Nigerians should no longer be treated merely as beneficiaries of government programmes or described as “leaders of tomorrow.” They are already important stakeholders in the Nigeria of today. Data from the Independent National Electoral Commission cited by Israel showed that 2,836,995 Nigerians aged between 18 and 34 had registered to vote as of April 28, 2026, representing 68.83 per cent of completed registrations in the referenced phase. This level of youth participation demonstrates that young Nigerians are interested in shaping the country’s political future.
However, political participation must not end at voter registration, election campaigns or mobilisation during elections. Young Nigerians must be given meaningful access to elective and appointive positions where they can contribute their ideas, energy, innovation and understanding of contemporary challenges. Political parties must therefore deliberately reduce barriers that prevent capable young people from contesting elections, while governments should provide platforms that allow them to contribute to policy formulation, implementation and monitoring.
The APC Youth Wing’s initiatives, including the Renewed Hope Conversations, Campus Policy Dialogue, leadership fellowships and grassroots digital engagement, are commendable steps towards building the capacity of young Nigerians. But capacity building must be matched with opportunities. A young person who is trained in leadership, policy or governance must be given a pathway to translate that knowledge into public service. Nigeria cannot continue to celebrate youth empowerment while reserving significant political influence for a narrow circle of older politicians.
The time has come for Nigeria to move from tokenistic youth inclusion to youth participation with real authority and responsibility. Young Nigerians should be represented at all levels of governance, encouraged to contest elections and supported to develop credible political platforms based on competence, integrity and service
.The future of Nigeria is not something to be handed over to the youth someday; it is being built today. If the country truly wants sustainable development, political parties, governments and citizens must recognise young Nigerians not merely as supporters or beneficiaries, but as partners and leaders in the governance of the nation.
