As Nigeria marks another Independence Day, Comrade Adebayo Kayode Joshua, National Project Secretary of the National Youth Congress (NYC), has issued a strongly-worded call to the nation’s youth to embrace active citizenship, reject political violence, and demand merit-based leadership ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement released to commemorate the 66th anniversary of Nigeria’s independence, Comrade Kayode declared that the time for passive observation and empty political slogans is over. He insisted that young Nigerians must rise as deliberate stakeholders in the democratic process rather than remaining spectators or instruments of disruption.
“The approaching 2027 elections present a defining moment for this generation,” Kayode stated. “We must jettison the culture of violence that has for too long stained our political space. Ballot-box thuggery, arson, and intimidation have never produced progress; they only deepen poverty, insecurity, and national stagnation. Nigerian youth must deliberately abandon these destructive tendencies and prioritise peace, order, and reasoned engagement.”
The NYC National Project Secretary emphasised that quality representation at every level of government must be anchored on meritocracy, proven capacity, and integrity. He warned against the continued elevation of mediocrity and transactional politics that have short-changed the country for decades.
“Youth participation must go beyond mere registration or voting. It requires sustained involvement in party structures, candidate selection processes, policy debates, and post-election accountability. We must hold every political aspirant and office holder to measurable standards of competence and delivery. Slogans and empty mantras will no longer suffice. Performance, character, and capacity must become the non-negotiable criteria for leadership,” he asserted.
Kayode further charged young Nigerians to organise themselves into constructive civic platforms, demand transparent primaries, scrutinise candidates’ track records, and insist on issue-based campaigns focused on education, employment, security, infrastructure, and economic opportunity.
“Independence is meaningless if the largest demographic in the country remains politically disempowered or manipulated. Active citizenship is our patriotic duty. We must refuse to be used as political foot soldiers and instead become the architects of a new political culture rooted in excellence and accountability,” the statement concluded.