A non-partisan advocacy platform, the Good Governance Group (3G), has called on political parties in Akoko North West, particularly in Constituency II, to prioritize credible and youth-oriented candidates in upcoming elections.
In a statement signed by its President, Ambassador Abiodun Oluborode, the group described the current moment as a defining period for youth inclusion in governance, stressing that the region requires innovative and forward-thinking leadership.
The group highlighted the performance of Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo as evidence of the impact of youthful leadership in public office. According to the statement, reforms introduced under his leadership at the Ministry of Interior have significantly improved service delivery, including the reduction of passport processing time to about three weeks and the clearance of over 200,000 application backlogs.
It also noted advancements such as the deployment of contactless biometric systems, the introduction of e-Gates at airports, improved welfare for paramilitary personnel, and strengthened border security through digital transformation.
Describing these achievements as a reflection of vision and innovation, the group argued that similar results could be replicated at the state and local levels if young, capable leaders are given the opportunity to serve.
Addressing major political parties, including the All Progressives Congress, the Peoples Democratic Party, and the Labour Party, the group urged them to move away from what it described as the recycling of outdated leadership.
“The time has come to embrace a new generation of leaders who understand the realities facing the people,” the statement read.
The group identified key challenges confronting the constituency, including unemployment, economic instability, digital skills gaps, youth restiveness, access to healthcare, and infrastructure deficits, noting that these issues require leaders with practical and innovative solutions.
As part of its recommendations, the group called on political parties to prioritize candidates with proven integrity and competence, reject entitlement-based politics, and engage more young people in the political process. It also emphasized that Akoko North West has the human capacity to produce transformational lawmakers.
The group concluded by urging all stakeholders to take decisive action by presenting candidates who can deliver meaningful development.
“It is the youths’ era,” the statement added, calling on Akoko North West to take the lead in promoting inclusive and impactful governance.
