Prominent national figures have called on Nigerian youths to take responsibility for shaping the country’s political future by rejecting short-term financial inducements and committing themselves to the pursuit of quality leadership.
They made the call during the Strategic Youth Summit organized by the ADC 7th Zone (ADC-DN), themed “Empowering Nigerian Youths, Shaping the Future.”
The virtual summit, held on 22 November 2025, brought together youth advocates, political leaders and development thinkers.
Speaking during the interactive session, former Minister of State for Education, Hon. Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, PhD, urged young Nigerians to “take their destiny into their hands” and resist politicians who seek to buy influence through handouts. Nwajiuba recounted his experience in the last electoral cycle, noting that many youths who could have championed genuine leadership instead opted for immediate gratification.
He stressed that such short-term rewards ultimately leave young people disempowered.
“The same youths I fought for turned around to mock me because I refused to play the money-bag politics,” he said. “That money is long gone, but the consequences remain. It is time for our youths to shut the door on those who bribe their way into power.”
Human rights advocate Aisha Yusuf echoed her message, urging young Nigerians to become deliberate and strategic about their actions, especially in political seasons. She warned that politicians understand the power that youths wield and therefore target them with “peanuts” to weaken their influence long before elections.
“Youths are the backbone of any society. Politicians know this, which is why they try to ruin you with crumbs before election day,” she said. “You must be intentional and refuse to be tools in the hands of those who mortgage your future.”
Also contributing, Hon. Abdul Malik Jafaru, Hon. Balarabe Rufai, the ADC National Youth Leader emphasized that Nigerian youths must rise above inducements and actively participate in building a political culture anchored on competence, integrity and accountability.
They highlighted the critical role of young people in changing the narrative of leadership across the country, insisting that no nation progresses when its youths surrender their voices for short-term gains.
The summit organisers stated that the event was designed to reawaken young Nigerians to their power, particularly as the country prepares for upcoming political engagements.