Abbas Urges Youths To Lead Nigeria’s Political Transformation

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has called on Nigerian youths to take an active role in shaping the nation’s political future.

Speaking in Abuja at the unveiling of the Take Action Campaign themed “Awakening a Generation, Youthful Leadership for a New Nigeria, Abbas represented by the Chairman of the House Committee on Youth in Parliament emphasized that young Nigerians must begin to assert their numbers and influence in governance.

“Youths are not just the future they are the present. Their presence must be felt in leadership,” he said.

The Take Action Campaign, launched by the Youth in Parliament Forum, is a national initiative focused on empowering young Nigerians to take on leadership roles in politics and public service. Abbas expressed concern that despite making up over 60% of the population, youth participation in decision-making remains low.

Citing legislative reforms like the Not Too Young to Run Act, Abbas noted that efforts to open political space are already yielding results. He highlighted Hon. Ibrahim Mohammed of Kebbi State, elected at age 26, as a testament to what’s possible when the system becomes inclusive.

He also challenged the youth to look beyond emigration as a solution, urging them instead to stay, engage, and take charge of building the country. “Even with a blue passport, you remain a second-class citizen abroad. This is your land, your mission, your identity,” he said. “Don’t just criticize online get involved, ask questions, make your voice heard. We have no other country.”

Director General of the Youth in Parliament Forum, Tony Nwulu, described the campaign as a movement to awaken political consciousness among young people and inspire them to run for office and take control of their future.

“This marks the start of a journey towards a youth-led political renaissance driven by innovation, legislation, and leadership,” Nwulu stated.

Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Ododo, praised the campaign as a natural extension of the Not Too Young to Run movement. Represented by the state’s Director General of Research and Development, Moses Okezie-Okafor, Ododo emphasized the importance of action over rhetoric, citing Kogi’s model of gender and youth inclusion—where all local government deputy chairpersons and key state officials are women.

Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, also aligned with the campaign’s goals. Represented by Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr. Chika Abazu, he revealed that over 40% of the state cabinet consists of youths, including himself, a beneficiary of the Not Too Young to Run law.

“We’re building a new Nigeria, and this movement only becomes impactful when those who rise to leadership hold the door open for others to follow,” he concluded.