BY AHMED AKANBI
Senior academics at the Department of Political Science and International Relations, University of Abuja, have urged Nigerian youths to reject vote-buying and take active roles in the nation’s political process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The scholars said meaningful youth participation is essential to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy and ensuring credible leadership.
They made the call weekend at a conference titled ‘Preparing university youth for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections: civic engagement, electoral integrity and democratic leadership,’ organised by the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation for Peace and Development in collaboration with the department.
Participants identified voter apathy, the high cost of politics, electoral violence, poverty, unemployment and weak internal democracy within political parties as major obstacles preventing youths from assuming leadership roles.
Speaking at the event, the Country Representative of the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation for Peace and Development, Comrade Angela Odah, stressed that young people would play a decisive role in 2027.
She underscored the need for credible, free and fair elections, describing youth participation as critical to democratic consolidation.
Professor Samson Adeniji said democracy can only flourish when citizens actively engage in governance. He noted that participation extends beyond voting to include contesting elections, joining political parties, civic engagement and advocacy.
Although digital activism has encouraged greater youth engagement, Adeniji said structural barriers still limit young people’s representation in leadership.
He urged government at all levels to implement youth-friendly policies, address unemployment and electoral violence, and compel political parties to reduce nomination fees to enable more young Nigerians to run for office.
During a panel discussion, political analyst Dr. Navuluz Sulyman advised youths to organise politically, register to vote and participate actively rather than wait for reserved seats.
He argued that dismantling structural barriers, especially the prohibitive cost of politics, would provide more opportunities for young people to emerge as leaders.
Also speaking, Dr Uchenna Umeorekwu linked the persistence of vote-buying to poverty and unemployment. She called for economic reforms, job creation and sustained voter education to tackle the menace.
Dr Segun Maiye urged Nigerians to reject financial inducements during elections, warning that selling votes undermines democratic values and weakens electoral integrity.
On technology, Professor Saleh Dauda said digital platforms have transformed political participation and election management. He however warned that misinformation, disinformation and weak institutions could threaten future elections if not addressed.
Professor Magdalene Igbolo observed that innovations like BVAS have enhanced transparency. She called for stronger legal safeguards against vote-buying and greater inclusion of women and other marginalised groups.
Other speakers, including Dr Peter Upeli and Dr Naomi Phinos, agreed that while social media has expanded civic awareness, online activism cannot replace direct political participation.
The conference ended with a renewed appeal to Nigerian youths to register as voters, reject vote-buying and actively participate in the country’s democratic process ahead of 2027.