By Aaron Ossai
The House of Representatives has urged Nigerian youths to play an active role in shaping the country’s democratic future by participating fully in the 2027 general elections, describing young people as a decisive force in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.
The appeal was made during the Youth Town Hall held on Thursday as part of the 2026 National Assembly Open Week at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja. The event brought together lawmakers, government officials, civil society groups, development partners, youth leaders and students to discuss youth inclusion in governance and democratic accountability.
Speaking on behalf of Speaker of the House, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, the House Majority Leader, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, said the 10th House had prioritised youth development and leadership through legislative reforms.
He noted that the Youth Town Hall has become a key platform for young Nigerians to influence policymaking, adding that several recommendations from previous editions have been reflected in ongoing constitutional amendment proposals and other national policies.
Ihonvbere highlighted youth-focused initiatives of the House, including the passage of the NYSC Reform Bill, the proposed Nigerian Youth Welfare Scheme Fund Bill sponsored by the Speaker, and a constitutional amendment seeking to reduce the minimum age for governorship candidates from 35 to 30 years.
He also cited reforms in education, taxation, electricity, cybersecurity and the digital economy aimed at creating jobs and expanding opportunities for young Nigerians.
Describing youths as Nigeria’s largest voting bloc, he said the credibility of the 2027 elections and the future of the country’s democracy would depend largely on their choices and active civic participation.
Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, commended the National Assembly for institutionalising the Youth Town Hall, saying it has strengthened engagement between young people and government. He said the ministry is implementing programmes in entrepreneurship, digital skills, vocational training and youth financing, including the Nigerian Youth Academy and the proposed Youth Green Fund.
Also speaking, NASENI Executive Vice Chairman, Khalil Suleiman Halilu, encouraged young Nigerians to embrace innovation, technology and artificial intelligence to drive national development. He disclosed that the agency’s Innovate Nigeria programme offers grants of up to ₦250 million to support innovators and technology-based enterprises.
Yiaga Africa called on youths to translate their enthusiasm into sustained civic participation by registering to vote, rejecting misinformation, violence and vote-buying, and holding public officials accountable based on performance and integrity.
In his keynote address, Speaker Abbas Tajudeen reaffirmed the House’s commitment to expanding opportunities for young Nigerians through legislation promoting quality education, entrepreneurship, innovation and digital literacy.
He urged youths to reject electoral malpractice and political violence, stressing that democracy thrives through continuous citizen engagement beyond Election Day.
