Political leaders, policymakers and emerging political actors across Oyo State have called for greater participation of youths and women in politics ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The stakeholders made the call at the 2026 Oyo State Emerging Political Leaders Summit, which began in Ibadan on Monday, August 24, 2026.
The two-day summit, themed “Bridging the Gap, Uniting Political Strength, and Mobilizing Emerging Leaders for 2027,” is expected to continue on Tuesday with a rally walk at the Aleshinloye Museum, Ibadan.
Convened by Hon. Wale Ajani, the summit brought together emerging political leaders, policymakers and grassroots stakeholders to promote strategic engagement, collaboration, reconciliation and peaceful political participation ahead of the elections.
The participants urged youths and women to move beyond immediate political benefits and become active contributors to policy formulation, leadership and national development.
Ajani Speaks
Speaking at the event, Ajani said the summit was organised to sensitise younger people to the importance of collaboration, political engagement and active participation.
He urged youths to participate in politics peacefully and responsibly rather than allow themselves to be used for violent activities.
Ajani also acknowledged the Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, Dr Zacch Adedeji, whom he said encouraged him to organise the summit in Oyo State. DownloadingInteractive Geographic Maps
In her presentation, AI governance leader, researcher and institution builder, Dr Success Ojo, criticised what she described as the “back-bench” role often assigned to women and young people in politics.
Ojo urged youths and women to aspire to more than rice, stipends and other short-term incentives offered by politicians, encouraging them to take advantage of digital advancement and artificial intelligence to improve their livelihoods.
She called on participants to acquire skills in artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies to enhance their creativity and productivity and create sustainable opportunities.
According to her, young people should not remain dependent on stipends from politicians but should build their capacity to contribute meaningfully to society and the political process.
Speaking on behalf of Adedeji, Mr Abdulraheem Adebayo said the Nigeria Revenue Service had recorded significant growth in revenue generation under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Appeal To Youths
Adebayo urged youths to become actively involved in politics, saying their participation would help shape policies capable of improving the country.
He said political participation should be viewed as an opportunity to influence policies, provide solutions and contribute to national development rather than merely seek immediate personal benefits.
Also speaking, former Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Ashimiyu Alarape, charged emerging political leaders to prepare themselves adequately for the responsibilities ahead.
Alarape advised young political actors to educate themselves, remain proactive and develop the capacity required for effective leadership, while cautioning them against desperation.
He said political opportunities would come at the appropriate time, stressing that “politics is turn by turn,” and urged emerging leaders to remain patient while building their political capacity.
The Oyo State APC Youth Leader, Hon Olalekan Glory, said the party remained committed to supporting young candidates and ensuring their success at the polls.
Glory said the APC was supporting candidates who, according to him, were protecting the interests of youths, expressing confidence that the party would emerge victorious in the 2027 elections.
He also dismissed the perception that youths were primarily being used as political thugs, urging them to reject such narratives and become proactive participants in the political process.
Similarly, the APC Oyo State Women Leader, Dr Felicia Opatunde, called for a stronger role for women in political decision-making.
“Women must no longer be content to occupy the audience; they must be at the table where decisions are made,” she said.
The summit featured panel discussions, networking sessions and tactical workshops on grassroots mobilisation, party unity, strategic political engagement and strengthening support for emerging political leaders across Oyo State.
Those in attendance included Alhaja Tawa Alli, wife of the Oyo state APC governorship candidate, representatives of public institutions, political stakeholders and emerging leaders from across the state.
The summit is expected to strengthen collaboration among emerging political actors while equipping youths and women with the knowledge, networks and strategies required for greater political participation and effective leadership ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Credit: thenationonlineng.net
