The Chairman of the Ogun Youth Assembly, Habeeb Whyte, has called on Senator Olamilekan Adeola to move beyond what he described as the traditional use of young people as campaign instruments and embrace meaningful institutional youth inclusion in governance ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Ogun State.
Whyte, who also serves as the Deputy Coordinator of the Cityboy Movement in Ogun State, made the appeal in an open letter addressed to the senator on Sunday.
In the strongly worded letter, the youth leader described the current political atmosphere in Ogun State as a defining moment that presents what he termed a “historic responsibility” for Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, who is widely seen as one of the dominant political figures positioning for the state’s next governorship contest.
According to Whyte, the growing political influence and acceptance enjoyed by the senator across various parts of Ogun State place him in a unique position to redefine governance by prioritising youth participation and empowerment beyond campaign rhetoric.
He lamented that despite constituting more than half of the voting population in Nigeria and Ogun State in particular, young people continue to remain largely excluded from governance structures, policy formulation and strategic decision-making processes.
The youth assembly chairman argued that many political actors often mobilise young people during electioneering campaigns but fail to create opportunities for them to actively participate in governance after assuming office.
He maintained that the time had come for political leaders to institutionalise youth inclusion by deliberately allocating leadership roles, policy responsibilities and developmental opportunities to qualified young people.
Whyte stated that Ogun youths are no longer satisfied with symbolic recognition or token appointments but are demanding genuine representation and participation in government.
He stressed that the future of the state depends heavily on how effectively the political class engages the younger generation in governance and development initiatives.
In the letter, the youth leader challenged Yayi to publicly commit to policies and governance frameworks that would guarantee the inclusion of young people in key areas such as cabinet appointments, political advisory roles, economic planning and grassroots development programmes.
He also urged the senator to support leadership development initiatives capable of preparing young people for future responsibilities in public service and politics.
According to him, many talented and educated youths across Ogun State possess the capacity to contribute meaningfully to governance if given the opportunity.
Whyte noted that meaningful youth inclusion should not be reduced to social media campaigns or election mobilisation but should involve deliberate structural reforms that create sustainable opportunities for young people.
He further stated that the political consciousness among youths has evolved significantly, adding that young voters are becoming increasingly interested in accountability, competence and inclusive leadership.
The Ogun Youth Assembly chairman warned that failure by political leaders to genuinely integrate youths into governance could widen the disconnect between government and the younger population.
He also stressed the need for political leaders to recognise the role of youths not merely as voters or supporters but as stakeholders whose ideas and contributions are essential for societal progress.
Observers say the open letter reflects increasing agitation among young Nigerians for broader political participation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Across the country, youth groups and civil society organisations have continued to push for greater inclusion in governance, citing demographic realities and the growing influence of young voters in electoral outcomes.
Political analysts believe the conversation around youth participation is likely to dominate political discussions as parties and aspirants begin early consultations and alignments ahead of future elections.
In Ogun State, speculation has continued to grow regarding possible contenders for the governorship race, with Senator Adeola widely regarded as one of the most influential political figures in the evolving political landscape.
Although the senator has remained active politically and maintains a strong support base in several parts of the state, discussions around governance style, inclusiveness and succession politics are already beginning to shape public discourse.
Whyte’s intervention is being viewed by some analysts as part of broader efforts by youth groups to extract concrete commitments from political leaders before the next election cycle gains full momentum.
The youth leader maintained that the demand for inclusion is not an attack on established politicians but a call for collaboration between experienced leaders and younger generations for the collective development of Ogun State.
He expressed optimism that if properly harnessed, the energy, creativity and innovation of young people could significantly contribute to economic growth, social stability and democratic development in the state.
As political activities gradually intensify ahead of 2027, stakeholders say issues surrounding youth empowerment, inclusion and representation are expected to remain central themes in Ogun State’s political conversations.
