The Federal Government has endorsed the Oyo State Emerging Political Leaders Summit 2026, urging young politicians to build a new political culture in which competition does not destroy relationships and political differences do not degenerate into personal hostility.
The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, gave the charge while formally endorsing the two-day summit scheduled for August 24 and 25 at the Ibadan Civic Centre, Agodi GRA, Ibadan.
In an endorsement letter dated August 11, 2026 and addressed to the summit’s Convener, Wale Ajani, the minister described the gathering as “timely and significant”, saying it would provide an important platform for deepening youth participation in Nigeria’s democratic process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The summit, themed, “Bridging the Gap, Uniting Political Strength, and Mobilizing Emerging Leaders for 2027,” is expected to bring together emerging political leaders, youth stakeholders, grassroots mobilisers, women leaders and other influential political actors from across Oyo State.
Olawande warned political leaders against reducing young Nigerians to mere campaign foot soldiers who are remembered only when elections draw near.
“I have consistently maintained that young people must not be regarded merely as foot soldiers of politics or mobilised only when elections approach,” he stated.
According to him, young Nigerians must be recognised as stakeholders, decision-makers and leaders capable of influencing the direction of their communities and the country.
The minister said Nigeria’s next democratic transition presented an opportunity to deliberately create platforms that promote political inclusion, constructive engagement and leadership development.
He added that such platforms were necessary to prepare young leaders with the character, competence and capacity required to contribute meaningfully to governance.
Olawande’s most striking message to participants was a call for a new approach to political engagement as the 2027 elections approach.
“We need young political leaders who can organise without dividing, compete without destroying relationships, disagree without becoming enemies, and understand that politics must ultimately be about service, responsibility and improving the lives of the people,” he said.
He commended the organisers for convening the summit, urging participants to approach it as more than another political gathering.
The minister said the event should serve as an avenue for young leaders to build bridges, exchange ideas, strengthen political unity and develop a shared vision for purposeful leadership.
“The future of our democracy will be shaped by young people who are prepared not only to seek leadership, but to demonstrate the character, competence and courage required to lead,” he added.
The Federal Government’s endorsement comes less than two weeks before the summit, raising expectations that the Ibadan gathering could become a significant meeting point for emerging political actors in Oyo State as political alignments and conversations ahead of the 2027 elections intensify.
With the summit bringing together actors from different political tendencies and grassroots constituencies, organisers are expected to focus on political collaboration, youth participation, leadership development and strategies for mobilising emerging leaders ahead of the next electoral cycle.
