Nigeria officials urge youth and women to increase political participation

Nigerian officials and government agencies are urging women and youth to increase their participation in the country’s political processes to combat voter apathy and gender inequality.

During a leadership training in Minna, Niger State Governor Abubakar Sani Bello called for 40 per cent engagement of women in political appointments and elective offices. He noted that low female participation contributes to continued gender inequality. Similarly, legislator Shina Peller encouraged youths to challenge the stereotype that leadership is reserved for the elderly, stating that young people must be actively involved in nation-building.

In Abuja, the National Orientation Agency emphasized the need for civic education to reclaim citizen confidence in the democratic process. Speaking at an election roundtable regarding the 2027 general elections, Dr. Olukemi Afolayan stated that empowering voters to reject vote buying, misinformation, and electoral violence is essential for the country’s democratic development.