Young leaders from across Nigeria have called for more opportunities to participate in the country’s democratic processes.

At a convening organised by LEAP Africa, with support from the Ford Foundation, discussants acknowledged Nigeria’s democratic progress since 1999 but highlighted persistent issues like electoral irregularities, political violence, insecurity, corruption, and rising authoritarianism.

These problems erode public trust and leave youth disillusioned.

Youth leader and activist Fauzudeen Mahmoud, a member of the Imaginative Futures Group, emphasized that although youth make up 70% of Nigeria’s population, they face limited political participation opportunities, economic marginalization, and social exclusion.

“The solution to creating the Nigeria we want is by electing competent people who will create inclusive, responsive, and resilient institutions,” he said.

Hamzat Lawal, Executive Director of CODE, stressed the importance of data and information in creating change. He advised youth to leverage accurate data and sharpen their technological skills to impact the country’s democratic processes.

Simi Olusola, Executive Director of Aspilos Foundation, urged youth to be bold and seize every opportunity to participate in political and democratic processes.

“As youth, we must change the misconception that we are young and inexperienced. We must put in the work and effort required when given a seat at the table,” she said.

Iyin Aboyeji, CEO of Future Africa, highlighted the need for economic empowerment to enable youth to fund their democratic interests.

“Usually, the focus of democratic discussions is the political effect on socio-economic activities. Today, I would like to speak on the effect of socio-economic activities on political processes,” he said.

He cited the #ENDSARS movement as an example of youth leveraging their economic power to drive democratic change.

Darren Walker, President of the Ford Foundation, emphasised that youth development and leadership are central to Nigeria’s future and sustainable democracy.

Dr. Jamilla Ibrahim, Minister of Youth Development, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to creating more opportunities for youth and including their voices in democratic processes, promoting good governance throughout the country.