West African Youths Seek Greater Role in Governance as Adebayo Urges Grassroots Political Participation

The Confederation of West African Youths has called for greater youth participation in governance, accountable leadership and policies that place young people at the centre of decision-making.

The call was made in Abuja during an engagement between members of the organisation and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo, at the party’s national secretariat.

Regional President of the Confederation, Ambassador Israel Akinola, said young people needed greater opportunities to participate in shaping policies that affect their lives and communities.

Akinola said government policies should translate into tangible improvements for citizens, particularly young Nigerians facing economic hardship, unemployment and limited opportunities to develop and commercialise their skills.

He described the organisation as a platform of African youths committed to promoting effective leadership and good governance across West Africa.

Akinola also highlighted the historical role of young people in West Africa’s struggles for independence and self-government, stressing the need for the present generation to play a more active role in determining the region’s political future.

Responding to the concerns, Adebayo urged Nigerian youths to take their political participation beyond social media discussions and become more active within their communities.

The SDP candidate said meaningful political participation depended on engagement with citizens at the grassroots and polling-unit level.

He encouraged young people to return to their communities and become involved in the political process, arguing that influence at the grassroots is critical to determining electoral outcomes and improving governance.

Adebayo also urged young Nigerians to engage with the principles contained in Chapter Two of the Nigerian Constitution, which outlines the fundamental objectives and directive principles of state policy.

He said Nigeria’s development challenges could be addressed through greater political participation, purposeful leadership and a stronger sense of collective responsibility.

The SDP Deputy National Chairman (South), Senator Ugochukwu Uba, said the party was committed to pursuing a different approach to governance.

Uba said the party’s programme was anchored on the constitutional provisions concerning the welfare and security of citizens, adding that Nigeria’s development challenges required renewed attention to leadership and governance.

The engagement comes ahead of the 2027 general elections, with political parties and aspirants increasingly seeking to mobilise young Nigerians, who constitute a significant part of the electorate.

The youth organisation’s engagement with the SDP focused on governance, political participation and the need for greater inclusion of young people in decisions affecting the country.