The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Open Minds Young Voices Network (FES-OMYV) Nigeria Alumni Network has convened young political aspirants in Abuja to discuss strategies for strengthening youth participation in the 2027 general elections.
The non-partisan Young Political Leadership Co-Creation Lab brought together young aspirants from different political parties, civil society organisations, youth groups and media practitioners to explore practical ways of overcoming barriers to political participation.
The Project Lead, Blessing Ekwere, in a statement on Friday, said the event provided a platform for young aspirants to share experiences, discuss the challenges of seeking political office and develop support networks to improve their participation in Nigeria’s political process.
According to her, the initiative builds on the network’s 2026 activities on youth political participation, including election observation and community outreach across the Federal Capital Territory.
Ekwere said the engagements highlighted the need to move beyond encouraging young people to vote to creating opportunities for them to contest elections, assume leadership positions and influence decisions affecting their future.
She also disclosed that the Resident Representative of the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, who spoke at the event, discussed opportunities available to young political aspirants in Germany and the challenges confronting their Nigerian counterparts, particularly the high cost of politics and limited support.
The discussions featured Umar Ahmed, who is contesting the Danja State Constituency seat in the Katsina State House of Assembly; David Oluwasegun Oroge, a House of Representatives aspirant for Abuja South; and Bishop Okoronkwo, who is contesting the Abia North Senatorial District seat.
Ekwere said the aspirants shared their motivations for seeking public office and identified major obstacles, including campaign costs, godfatherism, discouragement from older political actors, irregularities in party primaries and legal challenges.
She added that participants also highlighted the additional difficulties women face in navigating political spaces.
Beyond the discussions, the lab provided an opportunity for aspirants to engage with civil society, media and youth organisation practitioners on developing manifestos, engaging constituents, communicating policy priorities and building strategic partnerships.
Ekwere said participants committed to applying the ideas and recommendations generated during the sessions, strengthening engagement with young people and pursuing leadership that responds more effectively to citizens’ needs.
