The Nigeria Youths in Politics (NYP), a youth-led organization, has announced plans to induct former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan into its Hall of Fame.
Mr. Blessing Oyefeso, the National President of NYP, disclosed this at a news conference in Abuja while unveiling the organization’s Democracy Day Conference, scheduled for June 10, as part of the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations.
The conference is themed “Now is the Time: Youths Building a Sustainable Democracy.”
Oyefeso explained that the event aims to bridge the gap between generations of leaders and mobilize young Nigerians for active political participation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He stated that Obasanjo, who will serve as the Father of the Occasion, will be honored as the “Custodian of Democracy and Inter-Generational Leadership.”
According to him, Jonathan, the Chairman of the Occasion, will receive the “Guardian of Peace and Selfless Leadership Icon” award.
“We believe honoring leaders who have contributed positively to national development will inspire young Nigerians to embrace integrity, patriotism, visionary leadership, and selfless service,” he said.
Oyefeso added that renowned Pan-Africanist Prof. Patrick Lumumba would deliver the keynote address on ethical leadership and the future of African democracy.
He also noted that President Bola Tinubu’s son, Seyi Tinubu, would be recognized as the “Champion of Youth Political Inclusion.”
Others to be honored for their contributions to youth empowerment and philanthropy include former Minister of Information Prof. Jerry Gana; philanthropist Prince Arthur Eze; and Mr. Mathew Tonlagha, Chairman of Maton Engineering Nigeria Ltd.
Oyefeso stated that the conference would also feature the inauguration of the NYP National Working Committee, which will promote youth participation in the electoral process and monitor electoral stakeholders ahead of the 2027 elections.
Additionally, Mr. Onyenze Virgwes, Chairman of the Planning Committee and NYP National Organising Secretary, said the conference aims to promote attitudinal change and address challenges such as godfatherism and candidate imposition.
Virgwes emphasized the importance of honoring past leaders who have set positive democratic precedents, citing Jonathan’s concession of defeat in the 2015 presidential election.
The National Secretary of the NYP Working Committee, Dr. Duke Alamboye, expressed concern over what he called the declining value system in Nigeria’s democratic space, citing irregularities in recent party primaries.
Alamboye noted that many young aspirants supported by the organization have been unable to secure party tickets due to systemic challenges within the parties.
“Our participation has been undermined. We want to restore the good values of democracy, especially for the youth,” he said.
The NYP Vice-Chairman, Dr. Ogenna Walter-Ekwubiri, emphasized that youth inclusion in leadership is non-negotiable and urged young Nigerians to move beyond social media activism and engage actively in politics.
“It’s time to stop the banter on social media. We need to come out, get involved, and speak with our actions,” she said.
Walter-Ekwubiri also mentioned that a bill sponsored by the group seeking at least 30% youth representation in governance has passed the second reading in the House of Representatives.
She announced that the organization will conduct a consultation tour of the six geopolitical zones after the conference, starting with Osun and Ekiti states.
“We will visit every local government area to encourage youths to reject ‘stomach infrastructure’ and avoid violence. Promote your candidates, not hate.”
