Over 700 youth leaders representing various ethnic nationalities across Nigeria have declared their support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.
At the same time, they are advocating a major constitutional reform: a single, non-renewable seven-year tenure for all elected political office holders.
The proposal was unveiled at the 1st All Nigerian Ethnic Nationalities Youth Conference, held at the Green Building of the Federal Ministry of Environment, Abuja.
Themed “Emboldening a New Nigeria of Our Dream,” the event also marked the 30th anniversary of the execution of environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa.
In his keynote address, conference convener and President of the Nigeria Youth Coalition (NYC), Aare (Barr.) Oladotun Hassan, called Nigeria’s current electoral structure unsustainable.
“We are proposing a single, seven-year tenure for all elected officials starting before the 2027 general elections,” Hassan said.
“Endless election cycles drain our economy and distract leaders from delivering on governance.”
He argued that such a reform would help reduce political tension, foster policy continuity, and give leaders time to focus on performance without being consumed by re-election campaigns.
The youth leaders unanimously endorsed President Tinubu’s second term, describing him as a “symbol of democratic continuity and a stabilising force in turbulent times.”
According to Hassan, Tinubu has shown “resilience and courage” in navigating Nigeria through tough economic transitions.
While acknowledging the inherited economic challenges, he expressed confidence that Tinubu’s reform agenda would yield positive outcomes with time and policy stability.
The event also honoured several national figures for their contributions to democracy and development.
Among them; President Bola Ahmed Tinubu – Maverick Hero of Democracy, Alhaji Aliko Dangote (GCON) – Legend of Democracy Hero, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, Gov. Siminalayi Fubara, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, VP Kashim Shettima and Ooni of Ife, Recognized for democratic leadership as well as Ken Saro-Wiwa (Posthumous) – Doyen of Democracy Award
The NYC also issued key demands aimed at improving national development:
- Grant crude supply and exploration licences to the Dangote Refinery to ensure cheaper fuel prices.
- Review the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) to increase host communities’ benefits from 3% to 30%.
- Allocate 35% of the national budget to education, 25% to youth development, and 15% to traditional institutions.
- Establish a Federal Ministry of Chieftaincy and Traditional Affairs to institutionalise cultural leadership.
- Create National Agricultural Economic Development Zones to drive mechanised farming and food security.
The youth leaders firmly rejected any suggestions of a return to military rule, calling such proposals “absurdly crude and undemocratic.”
“President Tinubu, Senator Shehu Sani, and others fought for the democracy we enjoy today. We must never betray that struggle,” Hassan declared.
In closing, the youth coalition called for a New People’s Constitution to address longstanding structural inequalities and promised continued constructive engagement with the government.
“We must build a Nigeria where leadership is measured by performance, not political survival,” Hassan concluded.
“The single seven-year term will give every leader time and peace to deliver and give Nigerians hope that democracy can truly work.”
