2027: Oyo Emerging Leaders Push for Stronger Youth, Women Representation in Politics

Political stakeholders in Oyo State have renewed calls for increased participation of young people and women in political leadership, urging them to move beyond passive involvement and take a more active role in shaping policies and governance ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The call was made at the 2026 Oyo State Emerging Political Leaders Summit, which opened in Ibadan on Monday, August 24, 2026.

The two-day event, themed “Bridging the Gap, Uniting Political Strength, and Mobilizing Emerging Leaders for 2027,” brought together political actors, policymakers and grassroots stakeholders to discuss political engagement, collaboration, reconciliation and peaceful participation ahead of the elections.

The summit, convened by Hon. Wale Ajani, is expected to continue on Tuesday with a rally walk at the Aleshinloye Museum in Ibadan.

Speaking at the gathering, Ajani said the summit was designed to expose emerging leaders, particularly young people, to the importance of political participation, cooperation and responsible engagement.

He urged youths to shun violence and resist attempts to use them as instruments for political unrest, stressing the need for peaceful and constructive participation in the democratic process.

Ajani also recognised the Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, Dr. Zacch Adedeji, whom he said had encouraged him to organise the summit in Oyo State.

In a presentation, AI governance expert, researcher and institution builder, Dr. Success Ojo, challenged the marginal role often assigned to women and young people in political affairs.

Ojo encouraged participants to look beyond short-term political incentives such as food items and stipends, urging them instead to develop skills and pursue opportunities capable of providing lasting economic independence.

She particularly encouraged young people and women to embrace artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies, noting that digital skills could enhance their creativity, productivity and ability to create sustainable opportunities.

According to her, youths should build their capacity to become valuable contributors to society and the political process rather than remain dependent on temporary assistance from politicians.

Representing Dr. Adedeji, Mr. Abdulraheem Adebayo highlighted what he described as significant improvements in revenue generation under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Adebayo urged young Nigerians to take a greater interest in politics, noting that their active involvement could help produce policies and solutions that address the country’s developmental challenges.

He maintained that political participation should go beyond seeking immediate personal gains to include influencing policy, offering solutions and contributing to national development.

Also speaking, former Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Ashimiyu Alarape, advised emerging political leaders to prepare themselves for future responsibilities.

Alarape urged young political actors to acquire knowledge, remain focused and develop the competence required for effective leadership. He cautioned against desperation, stressing that political opportunities would come at the appropriate time.

He encouraged emerging leaders to remain patient and continue building their capacity, noting that “politics is turn by turn.”

The Oyo State APC Youth Leader, Hon. Olalekan Glory, said the party was committed to promoting young people and supporting candidates who represent the interests of the younger generation.

Glory expressed confidence in the APC’s prospects ahead of the 2027 elections while urging youths to reject the perception that their primary role in politics is to engage in thuggery.

He called on young people to become active stakeholders capable of contributing ideas and shaping the political process.

The APC Oyo State Women Leader, Dr. Felicia Opatunde, similarly advocated greater representation of women in political decision-making.

She stressed that women should move beyond being spectators in politics and seek meaningful positions where they can directly influence policies and decisions.

The summit featured panel sessions, networking opportunities and tactical workshops focused on grassroots mobilisation, party unity, strategic political engagement and strengthening networks among emerging political leaders across Oyo State.

Among those who attended were Alhaja Tawa Alli, wife of the Oyo State APC governorship candidate, representatives of public institutions, political stakeholders and emerging leaders from different parts of the state.

The organisers said the summit was aimed at strengthening cooperation among emerging political actors while providing youths and women with the knowledge, networks and strategic tools needed to play a more meaningful role in politics and leadership ahead of the 2027 general elections.