By George Ozalla
The Forum of National Youth Leaders of All Political Parties in Nigeria (FNYLPPN) has called for a deliberate and structured transition of political leadership from the older generation to competent and capable young Nigerians, insisting that the future of Nigeria’s democracy depends on stronger youth inclusion in governance and decision-making.
In a Democracy Day statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Hon. Comrade Eze Onyebuchi Chukwu, who is also the National Youth Leader of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), and the Forum’s Publicity Secretary and National Youth Leader of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Comrade Ozu Frederick Important, the group said the time had come for Nigeria to move beyond rhetoric on youth inclusion to a practical leadership transition.
The Forum noted that Nigerian youths constitute the majority of the population and remain a driving force in the country’s social and economic life, yet continue to be grossly underrepresented in governance structures and decision-making processes.
It stated that Democracy Day offers an opportunity not only to celebrate the resilience of Nigeria’s democratic journey and the sacrifices of those who fought for democratic governance, but also to reflect on the role of young people in shaping the nation’s future.
The youth leaders argued that the next phase of Nigeria’s democratic development must involve a deliberate transfer of leadership responsibilities to a younger generation of patriotic and capable citizens.
“If we be the majority, we should carry the vote. We are no longer asking for inclusion, we are asking for transition from Gerontocracy to Youthocracy. It’s time to prepare the youths of Nigeria for leadership takeover,” the Forum stated.
While acknowledging the contributions of older generations in building the nation, the Forum stressed that sustainable societies deliberately prepare and empower the next generation to assume leadership responsibilities.
It further recalled that Nigeria’s independence and nation-building efforts were driven by young nationalists, adding that today’s youths have continued to demonstrate competence, courage and innovation in various sectors.
The Forum called on political parties to create practical pathways for youth leadership and participation, while removing barriers that hinder young people from active engagement in politics and governance.
It also urged the National Assembly and other policymakers to strengthen frameworks that would ensure a structured and strategic leadership transition process.
The group advised Nigerian youths to remain peaceful, law-abiding and engaged in the democratic process through education, entrepreneurship, leadership development and civic participation.
The statement added that Nigeria must move from mere discussion of youth inclusion to deliberate implementation of leadership transition, noting that a nation that excludes its youths weakens its future, while one that empowers them secures it.
The Forum further called on presidential hopefuls, political parties, elected officials, traditional rulers, civil society organisations, and the media to join the national conversation on generational leadership transition in the interest of national development.
The Forum of National Youth Leaders of All Political Parties in Nigeria is a platform comprising youth leaders across registered political parties, aimed at promoting youth participation, democratic consolidation and national unity.
