A Clarion Call For Youths Participation In 2027 General Elections - The Guardian Nigeria News

Hon. John Ademola Akano House of Assembly Aspirant, Eti-Osa Constituency

Hon. John Ademola Akano House of Assembly Aspirant, Eti-Osa Constituency

The future of our democracy cannot be separated from the active participation of our young people.

As we approach the forthcoming general elections, I wish to make a passionate call to the youths of Eti-Osa Constituency I, Lagos State, and Nigeria at large: our voices must not only be heard in conversations; they must be represented at the ballot box.

For too long, many young Nigerians have expressed legitimate concerns about governance, leadership, employment, education, security, infrastructure and the future of our communities. Complaints are important when they identify problems, but democracy provides something more powerful—the opportunity for citizens to participate directly in determining who represents them.

The ballot is one of the most important instruments available to the citizen.

Voter registration and possession of the required voter credentials are therefore fundamental steps in participating in the electoral process. INEC’s guidelines provide for eligible Nigerian citizens aged 18 and above to register, subject to the applicable requirements.

I therefore encourage every eligible young person to take voter registration and voter-status verification seriously whenever INEC’s registration window is open. Do not wait until election day before becoming involved. Follow official INEC announcements, verify your registration details and ensure that you understand the procedures governing the election.

The Independent National Electoral Commission has also identified declining voter turnout as an important challenge to democratic participation.

Our democracy should not be reduced to social-media conversations, street complaints or occasional protests.

Peaceful protest and freedom of expression are legitimate democratic rights, but they are only part of democratic participation. Citizens can also participate through voter registration, public engagement, community organising, monitoring the electoral process, holding elected officials accountable and, most importantly, casting their votes when elections are conducted.

Register. Verify. Get informed. Participate. Vote. Hold leadership accountable.

The 2027 elections are already scheduled by INEC, with the Presidential/House of Assembly elections listed for 16 January 2027 and the Governorship/State House of Assembly elections for 6 February 2027, subject to the Commission’s official timetable and any subsequent revisions.

This means there is no reason for any eligible young Nigerian to remain politically indifferent.

Young people constitute a vital part of Nigeria’s population and must recognise that political participation is not exclusively the responsibility of older generations.

The decisions taken by governments and legislatures affect the education we receive, the jobs available to us, the businesses we build, the communities in which we live and the opportunities available to the next generation.

We must therefore move from being spectators of democracy to becoming active participants in it.

As a young political aspirant seeking to represent Eti-Osa Constituency I, I believe that the democratic process must remain peaceful, lawful and participatory. Our differences should never become reasons for violence, intimidation or division.

Let us debate issues. Let us question policies. Let us examine the records and programmes of those seeking public office. Let us participate peacefully. And when the time comes, let every eligible voter make their choice at the ballot box.

To the young people of Eti-Osa Constituency I, this is our opportunity to demonstrate that political participation is not merely about demanding change—it is also about taking responsibility for the democratic process through which leadership is chosen.

Do not surrender your civic responsibility. Hon. John Ademola Akano is a member of Lagos State House of Assembly Aspirant, Eti-Osa Constituency I