- Nigeria's political scene, largely controlled by older leaders, is slowly having some young politicians rise to prominence in key positions across the country
- The emergence of young speakers like Gabriel Dewan, Adebo Ogundoyin, and Jibril Falgore signals a growing demand for youthful representation
- TheRadar compiled young Assembly speakers with ages ranging from 32 to 40 across the country below
Nigeria’s politics, traditionally dominated by elderly leaders, is gradually experiencing a shift as a new generation of young leaders take prominent roles across various political offices.
These changes are particularly noticeable in the Houses of Assembly across the country, where younger leaders are bringing fresh perspectives and ideas to governance.
The increasing rise of these young leaders signals a growing demand for progressive leadership and greater youth involvement in shaping the country’s future.
Below, TheRadar compiled some of the young speakers currently leading various state assemblies in Nigeria:
1. Gabriel Dewan, 32, Plateau State
Gabriel Dewan, born in 1993, represents Pankshin North Constituency in Plateau State. He won his seat in the 2023 general elections under the Young Progressives Party.
In a significant turn of events on November 21, 2023, Dewan was elected Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly at just 30 years old. This made him one of Nigeria’s youngest individuals to hold such a high-ranking political position.
His election followed the resignation of the previous Speaker and Deputy Speaker, Moses Sule and Gwottson Fom, respectively, in a move aimed at fostering stability within the state’s political environment.
2. Adebo Ogundoyin, 38, Oyo State
Adebo Ogundoyin, born on February 17, 1987, in Ibadan, represents the Ibarapa East Constituency in Oyo State. He ventured politics in 2018, securing a seat in the Oyo State House of Assembly.
His effective leadership led to his unanimous election as Speaker of the Assembly in June 2019 at the age of 32. In 2023, Ogundoyin was re-elected as Speaker for a second consecutive term.
His rise continued with his election as Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria in September 2023.
3. Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, 39, Kwara State
Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, born on May 31, 1985, in Kwara State, initially worked in academia before transitioning into politics.
He was elected to represent the Ilesha-Gwanara State Constituency in the Kwara State House of Assembly in 2019 under the All Progressives Congress.
At 34 years old, he was unanimously elected Speaker of the Assembly during his first term. Danladi-Salihu was re-elected as Speaker in 2023, continuing his legislative leadership.
In September 2023, he was also elected Chairman of the All Progressives Congress Conference of Speakers.
4. Adewale Egbedun, 39, Osun State
Adewale Egbedun, born in 1984, ventured into politics in 2023, winning a seat in the Osun State House of Assembly.
He was elected Speaker in June 2023, at the age of 38, becoming one of the youngest to hold the position. Before politics, Egbedun worked as an entrepreneur, specialising in vehicle importation and construction.
His election to the position of Speaker marks the beginning of his political career, highlighting his dedication to public service and leadership.
5. Jibril Falgore, 39, Kano State
Jibril Falgore, representing the Rogo Constituency in Kano State, was elected Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly in June 2023.
A member of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Falgore was nominated and elected unanimously during the inauguration of the 10th Assembly.
His leadership focuses on addressing local issues and promoting development in his constituency, exemplifying the proactive approach of younger politicians in Nigeria.
6. Muhammad Luggerewo, 40, Gombe State
Muhammad Luggerewo, born in 1984, is the Speaker of the Gombe State House of Assembly, representing the Akko Central Constituency.
Luggerewo transitioned from a career in banking to politics in 2019, where he was elected to the Gombe State House of Assembly. His political journey took a significant step forward in 2020 when he was elected Speaker following the impeachment of the previous Speaker.
Luggerewo was re-elected Speaker in 2023 and continues to serve despite a legal challenge to his election. He is also an active member of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, serving as the Zonal Vice Chairman for the North East.
From Museveni to Kagame: 7 African leaders elected under age 50
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Africa's leadership was dominated by older figures, such as Paul Biya who was 91 and served as Cameroon’s president for decades.
However, 2024 brought a fresh wave of young leadership with Senegal's election of Bassirou Diomaye Faye at 44.