Nigerian youths have called for at least 70 percent representation in politics, stressing that the time has come for young people to take the driver’s seat in shaping the nation’s future.
The demand was made during the Future is Now summit held in Abuja on Wednesday, where youth leaders, activists, and professionals gathered to discuss political inclusion, governance, and innovation.
Speakers at the event argued that despite constituting over 60 percent of the nation’s population, young Nigerians remain largely sidelined in political decision-making. They noted that token appointments and symbolic inclusion were no longer enough to address the urgent challenges facing the country.
“The youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow; we are the leaders of today,” one of the conveners declared. “Nigeria cannot continue to recycle the same set of politicians while the majority of its population is excluded. We are demanding 70 percent representation in elective and appointive positions across all levels of government.”
The summit highlighted how young people are driving innovation in technology, entertainment, and entrepreneurship, insisting that their energy, creativity, and numbers should translate into real political power.
Participants also urged political parties to lower barriers to entry, including high nomination fees and internal structures that favor older politicians. They emphasized that meaningful reforms must go beyond slogans such as Not Too Young To Run, to concrete policies that guarantee youth dominance in governance.
The group resolved to mobilize ahead of the 2027 elections, pledging to form alliances, engage in grassroots mobilization, and hold leaders accountable to their promises on youth inclusion.
“The future is now,” the communique concluded. “And if Nigeria must survive and thrive, the youth must be given their rightful place at the decision-making table.”
