Gombe youth demand chances in political parties in upcoming elections

By Najib Sani, Gombe 

Youth leaders and participants at the Youth Consultative Forum 2025 in Gombe State have identified key barriers to youth participation in politics, including lack of empowerment and unity of purpose and demanded for change in the forthcoming elections. 

During the event themed "Youth Driving Change Through Civic Engagement," organised by LEADTOTS Development Initiative with support from National Endowment for Democracy, the event's facilitators urged young people to unite, support one another, and prepare themselves for leadership roles.

One of the facilitators, Amos Mori, emphasised the need for youth to embark on strategic engagement, consultative governance, and connect with societal gatekeepers to achieve their goals. 

Another facilitator, Moses Danjuma, highlighted the importance of youth leadership, citing their significant population and role in shaping governance.

He advised them to participate actively in the April 2026 local governments elections in Gombe State and the 2027 general elections.

A participant at the meeting and Gombe State Youth Parliament Speaker, Aliyu Danladi, called on parties to provide free or subsidised nomination forms for youth who are interested in contesting for elective positions in the next elections, citing financial constraints faced by young people. 

He noted that expensive forms, such as the N2 million fee for House of Representatives in the opposition party and the higher fee in the ruling party in the last election, hindered youth participation.

Earlier, the Executive Director of LEADTOTS Development Initiative, Nicholas Afeso, explained that the forum aimed to equip young Nigerians with skills and strategies for effective civic engagement, paving the way for inclusive politics and youth-led change.

He added that the Youth Consultative Forum 2025 brought together young leaders, stakeholders, and partners to drive change through civic engagement. 

Afeso emphasised the importance of youth participation in governance, highlighting the forum's goal of empowering young people to take active roles in shaping their communities. 

According to him, the forum would equip attendees with skills and strategies for effective civic engagement, making it a key platform for young Nigerians to influence governance and community transformation.

The event features discussions on strategic partnerships, governance, and overcoming barriers to youth participation in politics.