Political leaders and stakeholders in Oyo State have challenged youths and women to move beyond token political benefits and demand a greater role in policy formulation, decision-making and leadership ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The call was made at the opening of the 2026 Oyo State Emerging Political Leaders Summit held at the Ibadan Civic Centre, Agodi GRA.
The two-day summit, themed “Bridging the Gap, Uniting Political Strength, and Mobilising Emerging Leaders for 2027,” was convened by Hon. Wale Ajani to promote political awareness, collaboration and active participation among emerging leaders.
Speaking at the event, AI governance expert, Dr. Success Ojo, criticised what she described as the “back-bench” position often assigned to youths and women in Nigerian politics.
Ojo urged young people and women to look beyond temporary political incentives such as food items, stipends and other short-term benefits, stressing the need to build skills and capacity that would enable them to contribute meaningfully to governance and society.
She encouraged participants to take advantage of digital technology and artificial intelligence to acquire relevant skills, create sustainable opportunities and become less dependent on political patronage.
Representing the Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, Dr. Zacch Adedeji, Mr. Abdulraheem Adebayo said increased youth participation in politics would contribute to the development of policies capable of addressing the country’s challenges.
He urged young people to approach politics as a platform for influencing public policy and contributing to national development rather than pursuing only personal gains.
Former Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Asimiyu Alarape, advised emerging political leaders to educate themselves, develop patience and prepare adequately for future opportunities.
“Politics is turn by turn. Prepare yourself adequately. Political opportunities will come at the appropriate time,” he said.
The Oyo State APC Youth Leader, Hon. Olalekan Glory, said the party remained committed to supporting young people who aspire to elective positions, expressing confidence in the party’s prospects in the 2027 elections.
Glory also challenged youths to reject the perception that their primary role in politics is to serve as political thugs, urging them instead to become active participants in political processes and leadership.
Similarly, the APC State Women Leader, Dr. Felicia Opatunde, called for increased representation of women in decision-making structures.
She said women must move beyond being spectators in political affairs and secure meaningful positions where they can influence policies and decisions.
In his welcome address, the convener, Hon. Wale Ajani, said the summit was designed to sensitise the younger generation on the importance of collaboration, political engagement and peaceful participation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Ajani acknowledged the contribution of Dr. Zacch Adedeji, whom he said encouraged him to organise the summit in Oyo State.
The summit featured panel discussions, networking sessions and workshops focusing on grassroots mobilisation, party unity, strategic political engagement and preparations for the 2027 elections.
Among dignitaries at the event were Alhaja Tawa Alli, wife of the Oyo State APC governorship candidate, representatives of public institutions and emerging political leaders from across the state.
