Youth leaders from 17 Southern states in Nigeria have pledged to tackle voter apathy and encourage greater participation in the electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Southern Nigeria Ethnic Youths, representing groups including the Yoruba Youths Council, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youths, Ijaw Youths Council, and Efik Youths Assembly, made the announcement during a press conference held on Wednesday in Umuahia, the capital of Abia State.
Speaking on behalf of the assembly, Engr. Moses Njoku, President of the Southern Nigeria Youths Assembly, stressed the importance of youth participation in shaping Nigeria’s political future.
“The mistake of the youths, which actually leads to hunger and economic hardship, is not participating in elections. It is our right to exercise our franchise. Most youths shy away, and that is why we are sensitising them on the need to get their voter’s card and choose a leader of their choice,” Njoku said.
He added that active engagement in the electoral process was necessary to select leaders with the technical expertise to address the country’s economic and social challenges.
The youths also criticised the ostentatious lifestyle of certain political leaders, especially governors, for worsening poverty among ordinary Nigerians.
“The problem we have is the governors of certain states who believe that the state treasury is just for them to enjoy a luxurious lifestyle, sending their aides and family members abroad, something they could have provided for the common man. This plunges the entire populace into poverty,” Njoku said.
In addition to advocating for voter registration, the youth leaders unanimously endorsed Ambassador Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubo for a second term as National President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN).
Njoku highlighted Sukubo’s contributions in creating job opportunities and fostering peace between Northern and Southern youths.
“We are confident in him, and we fully believe that he will give us the best in his second term. He is skilled in statecraft and a befitting square peg in a square hole,” Njoku stated.
The youths noted that Sukubo had facilitated over 280 jobs within the oil and gas sector and had partnered with industry stakeholders to integrate Nigerian youths into professional opportunities.
Before now, Nigerian youths had not featured properly within the oil and gas space, but he partnered with notable players to ensure youth.
Among the youth leaders present at the press briefing were Ambassador Uchenna Obiora, President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youths Council; Christopher Ekpenyong, National President of Efik Youths Council; Prince Dalolu Sukubo; Chief Priest Jami Salako; Arc. Achi Chris Achi; and Matthew Oyhi.
