By Niyi Lawal
As political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, youth leaders in Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have rejected the use of young Nigerians as instruments of political violence, calling instead for greater youth participation in governance, policymaking and decision-making processes.
The leaders, who spoke against the backdrop of preparations for the elections, maintained that youths should no longer be relegated to the role of campaign mobilisers and electoral foot soldiers, but be given meaningful opportunities to contribute their ideas, skills and experience to national development.
The newly elected President of the FCT Youth Network (FCT-YN), Comrade Yamawo Destiny, stated this shortly after receiving his certificate of return following his election on Saturday.
Destiny said his administration would prioritise unity among youths across the FCT while creating a common platform through which they could engage government and other relevant stakeholders on issues affecting their welfare, aspirations and future.
“My expectation is to unite all the youth of the FCT, to talk in unity and in one voice, to advocate for good governance and inclusive governance in the FCT,” he declared.
On the general elections, the FCT-YN president urged young Nigerians to participate actively in the democratic process but cautioned them against violence, inflammatory rhetoric and irresponsible use of social media.
According to him, while the youth have the right to demand accountability and good governance, such demands must be pursued within the confines of the law and with due respect for the rights of others.
“We will be trying to educate our youths to maintain peace even in their social engagement. We have the zeal to advocate for good governance, but it is also good to do it in such a way that we will not trample on another person’s rights,” he said.
Destiny also cautioned young people against allowing politicians to exploit them for violent activities before, during or after the elections, stressing the need for youths to protect their future by embracing peaceful political participation.
Also speaking, the newly elected ambassador representing non-indigenous youths in the FCT, Comrade Felix Attah Emmanuel, pledged to ensure that the concerns and aspirations of young people were effectively communicated to government and other stakeholders.
Emmanuel, who highlighted his experience in student union leadership, disclosed that he had served as a student union representative, Speaker of the Students’ Union Government of the University of Jos and Vice President, Special Duties, of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).
He said his leadership experience had equipped him with the capacity to mobilise young people and pursue their interests through constructive engagement and dialogue.
“We have to do with consolidation, consultation before confrontation,” Emmanuel said.
He explained that youth leaders must first consult their members, consolidate their demands and engage relevant authorities before considering confrontation, noting that dialogue remained a more effective tool for achieving sustainable results.
Addressing concerns over possible youth restiveness during the elections, Emmanuel said youth leaders had a responsibility to channel the energy and enthusiasm of young people towards productive, peaceful and developmental activities.
He disclosed that the network had already engaged security experts during an orientation programme to educate youths on peace, security and responsible participation in society.
Also speaking, Executive Director of Abuja Original Inhabitants Youth Empowerment Organisation (AOIYEO), Commandant Isaac David, challenged young Nigerians to move beyond merely demanding government action and begin developing practical programmes and innovative ideas capable of attracting government support.
David urged youths to demonstrate their readiness for leadership by developing viable concepts and frameworks capable of addressing some of the developmental challenges confronting FCT and the country.
“Youth are not just leaders of tomorrow; youth are still leaders of today. If they make themselves worthy to be recognised through very good developmental ideas, I believe that the sky will be their limit,” he said.
David urged the newly elected FCT-YN leadership to build bridges between indigenous and non-indigenous youths and harness their collective strength towards creating a more peaceful, inclusive and prosperous FCT and Nigeria.
Meanwhile, the Chief of Staff of AOIYEO, Abubakar Sadiq Mohammed, commended the organisers for conducting what he described as a peaceful and coordinated election.
Mohammed said the conduct of the election represented an improvement over previous exercises and demonstrated that young Nigerians were increasingly embracing dialogue, coordination and strategic engagement as tools for resolving differences and advancing their interests.
He urged the new leadership to make unity a priority, warning that internal divisions could undermine the collective strength and credibility of the youth movement.
“My advice to them is that they should have unity. Because without unity there will be division, and if there is division, the foundation has cracked,” he said.
While acknowledging that disagreements were inevitable in youth activism and leadership, Mohammed urged the new executives to resolve their differences through dialogue and mutual understanding.
“You can disagree to agree. You can disagree in order to push your point, but after agreeing, don’t divide the house,” he said.
The emergence of the new leadership of the FCT Youth Network is expected to provide a stronger platform for youth engagement in governance, political participation, empowerment and development, while promoting peaceful and responsible democratic participation as Nigeria approaches the general elections.
*PHOTO CAPTION: Executive Director, AOIYEO Isaac David (l) in handshake with newly elected FCT-YN President, Comrade Yamawo Destiny, after the presentation of certificate of return to the latter.
