• The Ota Youth Assembly is demanding increased youth inclusion in elective positions across Ogun State ahead of the 2027 elections
• The group made a non-partisan appeal, insisting its demand is rooted in fairness, equity, and democratic inclusion
• The group warned it may back only political parties that show real commitment to youth empowerment and leadership inclusion

The Ota Youth Assembly has intensified calls for greater youth inclusion in elective and leadership positions across Ogun State, particularly within Ado-Odo Ota Local Government Area, ahead of the 2027 political cycle.

In a statement issued on Friday, April 24, and jointly signed by its President, Prince Adefolarin Ojugbele, and General Secretary, Jimmy Akingbola, the group stressed that its demand cuts across party lines and is driven by the need for fairness, equity, and inclusive governance.

The Assembly lamented what it described as the continued marginalisation of young people in political leadership, despite their dominant role in voter registration, mobilisation, and election participation.

“Youths constitute the majority of voters and play critical roles in mobilisation and electioneering, yet they are sidelined when it comes to elective positions. This is unjust and unacceptable,” the statement read.

The group argued that many young political aspirants, especially those seeking seats in the Ogun State House of Assembly, possess the competence, leadership ability, and vision required to drive development across the state.

“We can confidently attest that these youths have the sagacity, charisma, and commitment needed to deliver meaningful progress and sustainable development,” the Assembly noted.

However, it clarified that its call was not for indiscriminate inclusion but for the emergence of credible and qualified young leaders with proven records of community engagement and service.

“We are not calling for indiscriminate inclusion. We demand the emergence of capable youths with verifiable antecedents, not opportunists who surface only during elections,” it added.

The group further urged political leaders and parties to move beyond symbolic gestures and adopt deliberate frameworks that guarantee meaningful youth participation in governance.

“The era of reducing youths to mere political foot soldiers must end. Anything short of intentional inclusion amounts to exploitation,” the statement said.

It warned that it may mobilise support for political parties that demonstrate genuine commitment to youth empowerment if their demands are ignored.

“The time for rhetoric has passed. The time for action is now. Youths must not only be seen and heard, they must be given the opportunity to lead,” the statement concluded.

Youths protest in Abuja, urge Goodluck Jonathan to run in 2027

Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that a coalition of Nigerian youths and civil society organisations staged a protest in Abuja, calling on former President Goodluck Jonathan to contest in the 2027 presidential election.

The demonstrators gathered in large numbers at the Abuja residence of the former leader, occupying parts of the capital while chanting slogans and displaying placards expressing their demands.

The protest reflects growing momentum among certain groups advocating for Jonathan’s political comeback, with supporters arguing that his leadership experience is needed to address the country’s current challenges.