At its 2026 International Youth Day event in Abuja, the Peoples Democratic Party warned that voter apathy among young Nigerians is eroding democracy and urged them to convert their numbers into electoral influence. Speakers cited unemployment, economic hardship, distrust in institutions, fear of violence and high costs of political participation as barriers to youth engagement.
PDP official Arthur Ekwelem said citizens who withdraw from elections surrender democratic power to others, while Gombe governorship candidate Isah Pantami noted youths make up over 60% of Nigeria's population yet face outdated education systems and rising living costs limiting their participation. He also criticized the gap between the 'Not Too Young To Run' principle and the practical costs of running for office.
Female Youth Wing director Loveth Izekor called for young women to move from being mobilized to being decision-makers, while National Youth Leader Ibrahim Bala-Aboki announced a plan to train 100 youths as trainers to reach communities across all 774 local government areas.
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