Youth Leaders Demand 70% Governance Quota Ahead of 2027

On a Saturday in Abuja, youth leaders from various political parties in Nigeria convened to demand a significant shift in governance ahead of the 2027 general elections. They issued a 10-point communique, led by Comrad Ez Onyebuchi Chukwu, the chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and the Forum of National Youth Leaders of Political Parties in Nigeria.

The leaders called for a transition plan that would ensure that leaders below the age of 60 hold 70% of governance positions by the 2031 elections. They emphasized the need for radical expansion of youth participation in governance, proposing that 70% of appointments and elected positions be reserved for young people, while older leaders retain 30% in advisory roles.

The communique also addressed the urgent need for reforms to tackle insecurity and unemployment, urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to establish youth skill acquisition centers across local government areas. The leaders warned against political manipulation and called for unity among Nigerian youth, stressing the importance of addressing the poor state of public education.