By Joel Ajayi
The All Progressives Congress Youth League (APCYL) has launched a nationwide civic mobilisation campaign aimed at boosting youth participation in Nigeria’s electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The group’s leadership said the initiative is designed to galvanise young Nigerians across the 36 states of the federation, with a projection of no fewer than 13 million youth votes in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid.
Speaking during an interview in Abuja on Wednesday, the National President of APCYL, Comrade Olamide Lawal, described the organisation as a national support platform affiliated with the All Progressives Congress, committed to promoting progressive ideology and expanding youth participation in governance.
According to him, the league serves as a mentoring and mobilisation structure for young Nigerians, helping them discover leadership potential while actively engaging in the democratic process.
Lawal disclosed that since assuming office, the leadership has strengthened and restructured the movement to align with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda. He noted that pro-democracy rallies have already commenced in parts of the country, drawing youths together to demonstrate support for the administration and highlight key achievements.
He maintained that the civic drive is anchored on the belief that the current administration is positioning Nigeria on the path of sustainable growth and long-term development. He cited reforms in infrastructure, economic revitalisation, agricultural expansion, youth inclusion, and institutional restructuring as indicators of progress.
Comrade Olamide who is a Special Adviser on Youth and Sports to Dapo Abiodun also referenced the establishment of a standalone National Sports Commission and renewed focus on youth-centred initiatives as part of broader governance reforms aimed at empowering young people.
Outlining the group’s electoral participation strategy, Lawal explained that the first phase centres on massive civic education, encouraging eligible youths to register and obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
“Our immediate priority is civic education. Every eligible young Nigerian must understand the importance of registering and collecting their PVC. Without that, political participation cannot translate into votes,” he said.
The second phase, he added, will involve grassroots sensitisation on the administration’s policies and achievements, positioning the President’s agenda as a foundation for Nigeria’s future stability and prosperity.
Lawal expressed confidence that sustained nationwide engagement would make the projected 13 million youth votes achievable.
He reaffirmed the group’s commitment to peaceful civic participation and sustained advocacy, stressing that the APCYL would continue expanding its structures across states to consolidate youth support for President Tinubu’s second-term ambition.
