Oyo Politics Heats Up as Stakeholders Mobilise Youths, Women for 2027

Political leaders, policymakers and emerging political actors in Oyo State have called for increased participation of youths and women in politics ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The call was made at the 2026 Oyo State Emerging Political Leaders Summit, which commenced in Ibadan on Monday, August 24, 2026.

The two-day event, themed “Bridging the Gap, Uniting Political Strength, and Mobilizing Emerging Leaders for 2027,” brought together political stakeholders, policymakers and grassroots leaders to promote collaboration, reconciliation, strategic engagement and peaceful political participation.

According to reports from the summit, participants urged youths and women to move beyond short-term political incentives and take active roles in policy formulation, leadership and national development.

The convener, Hon. Wale Ajani, said the summit was designed to sensitise young people to the importance of political participation, collaboration and responsible engagement. He urged youths to shun violence and resist attempts by politicians to use them as instruments of political unrest.

Ajani also acknowledged the Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, Dr Zacch Adedeji, whom he credited with encouraging him to organise the summit in Oyo State.

Speaking at the event, AI governance expert and researcher, Dr Success Ojo, criticised the marginalisation of young people and women in political decision-making. She encouraged them to seek meaningful opportunities rather than depend on temporary benefits such as food items and stipends from politicians.

Ojo also urged youths to acquire skills in artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies, noting that digital knowledge could boost their creativity, productivity and economic independence.

She stressed that young people should build their capacity to contribute meaningfully to society and the political process instead of remaining dependent on political handouts.

Representing Adedeji, Mr Abdulraheem Adebayo said youths needed to become more actively involved in politics, arguing that their participation would help shape policies and develop solutions to the country’s challenges.

Former Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Ashimiyu Alarape, also advised emerging political leaders to prepare themselves for future responsibilities through education, proactive engagement and capacity building.

Alarape cautioned young politicians against desperation, urging them to remain patient and continue developing their leadership skills, while stressing that political opportunities would come at the appropriate time.

The Oyo State APC Youth Leader, Hon. Olalekan Glory, said the party was committed to supporting young candidates and promoting their interests ahead of the 2027 elections. He also urged youths to reject the perception that their primary role in politics was to serve as political thugs.

Similarly, the APC Oyo State Women Leader, Dr Felicia Opatunde, called for greater representation of women in political decision-making, insisting that women should move from the sidelines to positions where important decisions are made.

The summit featured panel discussions, networking sessions and tactical workshops focused on grassroots mobilisation, party unity, strategic political engagement and strengthening support for emerging political leaders.

The event is expected to further equip youths and women with the knowledge, networks and strategies needed to play more influential roles in Oyo State politics as the 2027 elections draw closer.