Political leaders, policymakers, and emerging political actors across Oyo State have issued a strong call for greater participation of youths and women in governance ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Gathering at the opening of a major two-day summit in Ibadan, stakeholders urged young people and female demographics to step beyond receiving token benefits and actively shape policy formulation, governance, and national development across the region.
The call took center stage at the 2026 Oyo State Emerging Political Leaders Summit, which commenced on Monday, August 24, 2026, at the Ibadan Civic Centre, Agodi GRA, Ibadan. Operating under the theme “Bridging the Gap, Uniting Political Strength, and Mobilizing Emerging Leaders for 2027,” the gathering continues on Tuesday with a public rally walk starting at the Aleshinloye Museum.
Convened by Hon. Wale Ajani, the conference assembled emerging political leaders, institutional heads, and grassroots organizers to drive strategic engagement, peacebuilding, and political unity well ahead of upcoming electoral contests.
Emerging Political Leaders Urged to Embrace Peace over Violence
In his opening address, Ajani explained that the summit was established to educate younger generations on the necessity of active collaboration and direct participation in the civic process. He warned young citizens against permitting political actors to recruit them for electoral violence, advocating instead for peaceful, structured engagement.
Ajani also credited the Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, Dr. Zacch Adedeji, for encouraging him to host the summit within the state to strengthen civic participation.
Oyo State Politics: Moving Beyond Token Incentives
Addressing the audience on modern governance, AI governance researcher and institution builder Dr. Success Ojo expressed concern over the passive roles traditionally assigned to female constituents and young voters.
Ojo argued that these key groups must look beyond short-term patronage such as food items or minor cash stipends. Instead, she urged participants to leverage technological tools and digital training to build long-term personal and economic independence.
“Youths and women should aspire to benefit from more than rice, stipends and other short-term incentives offered by politicians,” Ojo stated, urging attendees to build technical skills that position them as indispensable policy contributors rather than dependent followers.
Strategic Preparation for the 2027 General Elections
Delivering remarks on behalf of Dr. Zacch Adedeji, Mr. Abdulraheem Adebayo pointed to recent revenue growth under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration as proof of what structured governance can achieve.
He encouraged young adults to view politics as a mechanism for solving societal problems rather than an avenue for immediate personal gain.
Adding an elder statesman’s perspective on Oyo State politics, former Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Ashimiyu Alarape, advised rising figures to focus on self-education and long-term capacity building rather than reckless political ambition.
“Politics is turn by turn,” Alarape noted, advising emerging actors to remain patient and build their credentials, as leadership opportunities naturally follow adequate preparation.
Confirming party backing, Oyo State APC Youth Leader, Hon. Olalekan Glory, maintained that the party remains committed to sponsoring young candidates for electoral positions. Glory rejected popular narratives framing young people primarily as political thugs, calling on the youth to take ownership of their political destiny as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.
The summit featured detailed panel sessions, workshops, and networking groups focused on grassroots mobilization, strategy, and political reconciliation. Attendees included Alhaja Tawa Alli, wife of the Oyo State APC governorship candidate, alongside institutional delegates and regional political strategists.
