Political leaders, policymakers and emerging political actors in Oyo State have called for increased involvement of youths and women in political leadership and decision-making ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The stakeholders made the call on Monday at the 2026 Oyo State Emerging Political Leaders Summit held at the Ibadan Civic Centre, Agodi GRA, Ibadan.
The two-day summit, themed “Bridging the Gap, Uniting Political Strength, and Mobilizing Emerging Leaders for 2027,” was convened by Hon. Wale Ajani to promote political engagement, collaboration, reconciliation and peaceful participation among emerging leaders across the state.
In his welcome address, Ajani said the summit was aimed at sensitising young people to the importance of active participation in politics and governance. He urged youths to shun violence and refuse to be used as instruments of political disruption.
Ajani also acknowledged the Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, Dr. Zacch Adedeji, whom he said encouraged him to organise the summit in Oyo State.
Speaking at the event, an AI governance leader, researcher and institution builder, Dr. Success Ojo, expressed concern over what she described as the “back-bench” position often assigned to women and young people in politics.
Ojo urged youths and women to look beyond rice, stipends and other short-term incentives, saying they should build their capacity and become active contributors to policy formulation and national development.
She also encouraged participants to acquire skills in Artificial Intelligence and other emerging technologies, stressing that digital advancement could provide opportunities for young people to become more productive, creative and economically independent.
Representing the Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, Mr. Abdulraheem Adebayo said the agency had recorded significant growth in revenue generation under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Adebayo urged youths to participate actively in politics, saying their involvement was essential to influencing policies, developing solutions and contributing meaningfully to national development.
He advised young political actors to see politics as an avenue to serve and shape society rather than merely seeking immediate personal gains.
Also speaking, former Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Ashimiyu Alarape, charged emerging political leaders to prepare themselves for future responsibilities.
Alarape urged young politicians to educate themselves, remain proactive and develop the capacity needed for effective leadership. He cautioned against desperation, stressing that political opportunities would come at the appropriate time.
The Oyo State APC Youth Leader, Hon. Olalekan Glory, said the party remained committed to supporting young candidates and ensuring their success at the polls.
Glory urged youths to reject the perception that their role in politics is limited to political thuggery, encouraging them instead to become proactive participants in the political process.
In her remarks, the APC Oyo State Women Leader, Dr. Felicia Opatunde, demanded greater representation of women in political decision-making.
“Women must no longer be content to occupy the audience; they must be at the table where decisions are made,” she said.
The summit featured panel discussions, networking sessions and tactical workshops on grassroots mobilisation, party unity, strategic political engagement and strengthening emerging political leadership 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 across the state.
The summit is expected to continue on Tuesday with a rally walk at the Aleshinloye Museum, Ibadan, as participants seek to strengthen political collaboration and equip youths and women for greater participation in the 2027 electoral process.
