The House of Representatives has called on Nigerian youth to play a key role in shaping the country’s democratic future by participating actively in the 2027 general elections.
This was as the Green Chambers pointed out that the decisions of the youth and level of civic engagement will significantly influence the credibility of the electoral process.
The Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas gave this charge on Thursday, at a Youth Townhall organised by the House as part of the 2026 National Assembly Open Week, through the House Leader, Julius Ihonbvere.
He described young Nigerians as the country’s largest voting bloc and the most influential force in determining the credibility and direction of the country’s democracy.
“The quality of our elections and the future of our democracy will, to a large extent, be determined by the choices, conduct and active involvement of young Nigerians.
“Register to vote. Reject violence. Reject vote-buying. Reject misinformation and political cynicism. Base your political choices on evidence and integrity rather than emotion,” he said.
The forum brought together lawmakers, government officials, development partners, civil society organisations, youth leaders and students to deliberate on expanding youth participation in governance, democratic accountability and nation-building.
Abbas said the 10th House had deliberately positioned youth development and inclusion as central pillars of its legislative agenda, insisting that the strength of Nigeria’s democracy will largely depend on the choices, conduct and civic engagement of young citizens.
The Speaker noted that the Youth Town Hall has grown beyond an annual conversation into an institutional platform through which young Nigerians contribute meaningfully to national policymaking and legislative reforms.
“Many of the ideas now reflected in the ongoing constitutional amendment proposals and other national policies were shaped by contributions made during previous editions of this Town Hall. Your voices have influenced outcomes, and that is precisely why this platform remains relevant,” he stated.
With political activities ahead of the 2027 elections gradually gathering momentum, the Speaker described Nigerian youths as the country’s largest voting bloc and one of the most decisive forces in determining the credibility of future elections.
“The quality of our elections and the future of our democracy will, to a large extent, be determined by the choices, conduct and active involvement of young Nigerians,” he said.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the House of Representatives to ensuring that young people become active partners in governance rather than passive recipients of government policies.
According to him, the legislature has intentionally focused on policies that improve access to quality education, strengthen digital literacy, promote entrepreneurship, encourage innovation and modernise institutions capable of generating sustainable employment opportunities for millions of Nigerian youths.
In a goodwill message, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, commended the National Assembly for institutionalising the Youth Town Hall, describing it as an important platform for strengthening engagement between young Nigerians and the legislature.
He observed that previous administrations had inadvertently widened the gap between young people and public institutions but said deliberate efforts are now being made to promote inclusive governance and sustained dialogue.
“It is very important that young Nigerians are given the space to speak, ask questions, share ideas and take part in decisions that affect their future,” the minister said.
Olawande disclosed that the Ministry of Youth Development has introduced several platforms to facilitate direct interaction between government and young citizens while implementing programmes focused on entrepreneurship, digital skills development, vocational training and access to affordable financing.
He identified the Nigerian Youth Academy, digital skills initiatives, youth enterprise support programmes and the proposed Youth Green Fund as some of the interventions designed to prepare young Nigerians for opportunities in the rapidly expanding digital and green economies.
