RismadarVoice Reporters
September 6, 2026
The Social Democratic Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Adewole Adebayo, has called on Nigerian youths to become more actively involved in the country’s political process and take greater responsibility for governance.
Adebayo made the call on Sunday in Abuja while speaking during the Newsmen Personality Interview Series.
He argued that young Nigerians constitute a significant proportion of the country’s workforce, security personnel and voting population, making their involvement crucial to efforts to address the nation’s challenges.
Rather than promising young people a better future, Adebayo said they should take the initiative and become directly involved in governing the country.
“I don’t belong to those who want to give hope to youths. I want to tell them: You have to take over the governance of your country to give the nation hope,” he said.
Adebayo recalled that he joined the SDP at the age of 19, saying young Nigerians should not regard wealth, political connections or influence as prerequisites for participating in politics.
According to him, citizenship is a sufficient qualification for anyone willing to contribute to the political process.
“You don’t need anything but your citizenship to participate in politics. You don’t have to have money,” he said.
‘Move beyond social media support’
The SDP chieftain urged youths to move beyond expressing political support on social media and become active members of political organisations and democratic institutions.
He encouraged them to participate in elections, examine candidates critically and demand accountability from elected officials.
Adebayo maintained that the large number of young voters gives them considerable influence over electoral outcomes.
“I am not selling hope to you (youths). I am selling involvement to you. I am selling responsibility to you. I am selling duty to you,” he said.
He added that candidates supported by the majority of young voters would have a significant advantage because youths make up a substantial portion of the electorate.
The former presidential candidate also urged young Nigerians to support political programmes and policies capable of addressing the country’s problems rather than focusing solely on individual politicians.
He said competence, responsibility and workable solutions should guide political choices ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Adebayo challenged youths to take ownership of the political process and increase their participation beyond acting as supporters of political candidates.
“It is for the youth to rally around what we are doing and to enhance their own role beyond supporters’ club.
“Come and take over; take control of our politics. You can join today, and that is a better way to transform our democracy,” he said.
