Group Rallies FCT Youths to Take Active Role in 2027 Elections

A civic engagement organisation, Open Mind Young Voices Network (OMYV), has launched a campaign aimed at encouraging young people in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to become more involved in the democratic process ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The initiative, supported by Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES), kicked off with a community outreach programme in Kuje, where participants were trained on leadership, active citizenship and the principles of social democracy.

Speaking during the event, development practitioner Mr. Shadrach Danladi said the sensitisation campaign was already making an impact, particularly among youths and women who previously felt disconnected from the electoral process.

According to him, many residents had lost confidence in voting because they believed their votes would not influence election outcomes. However, sustained engagement and voter education efforts have helped to change those perceptions.

Danladi noted that several community members had already taken steps to register as voters following the awareness campaign, while others expressed renewed interest in participating in future elections.

He stressed the need for young Nigerians to play a more active role in shaping the country's future, describing voter participation as a critical component of democratic governance.

He also expressed concern over the low turnout recorded during the 2023 elections despite the large number of registered voters, urging youths not only to cast their ballots but also to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process.

Project Manager at FES, Mrs. Julianna Anosike, said public confidence in elections had been weakened by past experiences, including poor governance and limited interaction between elected officials and citizens after elections.

She explained that the outreach programme was designed to rebuild trust in democracy and remind citizens that political participation remains essential regardless of prevailing frustrations.

Anosike encouraged young people to become more involved in political activities beyond election periods, including joining political parties and advocating positive reforms from within.

Also speaking, OMYV representative Ms. Linda Raji said the programme created an avenue for participants to openly discuss challenges affecting voter participation, including logistical difficulties, voter transfer issues and declining trust in electoral institutions.

She said discussions during the outreach also focused on the dangers of vote-buying, warning that accepting inducements during elections could undermine citizens' long-term interests.

Raji urged young people to stay engaged in governance by attending community meetings, monitoring elected officials and demanding accountability on campaign promises.

Some participants said the programme had reshaped their views on civic responsibility.

Ms. Yunusa Hauwa said she previously had little interest in elections but now understood the importance of voting and citizen participation in governance.

Similarly, community youth leader Mr. Aminu Bako expressed optimism that increased voter education would lead to higher youth turnout in future elections.

He said greater participation by young people could help strengthen democracy and contribute to the emergence of leaders capable of driving national development.

The outreach forms part of OMYV's broader campaign to promote democratic values, youth leadership and informed civic engagement across communities ahead of the 2027 general elections.