Afenifere Youth Council Demands Security Reforms, Restructuring Ahead of 2027 Elections

 Afenifere Youth Council Demands Security Reforms, Restructuring Ahead of 2027 Elections

The Afenifere National Youth Council (ANYC) has called for urgent reforms in Nigeria’s security architecture, electoral system and governance structure ahead of the 2027 general elections, while urging Nigerian youths to reject political thuggery, vote-selling, tribalism and religious manipulation.

The group made the demands at a world press conference held on Monday , September21, 2026, at Oduduwa House, Ikeja, Lagos, where it addressed what it described as critical national issues ahead of the 2027 elections.

Speaking on behalf of the council, its National President, Prince Eniola Ojajuni, said persistent insecurity, economic hardship, youth unemployment and weak social infrastructure required urgent attention from the government and other stakeholders.

Security

The ANYC expressed concern over persistent killings, kidnappings, banditry and farmer-herder clashes, saying insecurity continues to undermine economic activities and create fear among citizens.

The council acknowledged efforts by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu but urged the Federal Government to do more to protect lives and property.

It called for intelligence-driven security reforms and advocated the establishment of state and local government police, arguing that security challenges require stronger grassroots responses.

The call comes amid renewed security concerns in parts of the South-West. Afenifere had separately raised concerns over recent attacks and kidnapping incidents in the region, including the Igbeti-Igboho axis.

Youth mobilisation and 2027 elections

The group urged eligible Nigerians, particularly young people, to participate actively in the 2027 electoral process by registering, obtaining their Permanent Voter Cards and educating themselves about candidates and their policies.

The council said Nigerian youths should use their votes to determine the country's leadership rather than allow themselves to be used as political thugs or agents of violence.

It also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to provide a free, fair and credible environment for the elections.

According to the council, electoral technology should be deployed transparently, while election results should be adequately protected from the polling unit through the collation process.

INEC's published 2027 timetable provides for presidential and National Assembly elections in January 2027 and governorship and State House of Assembly elections in February 2027.

Council demands restructuring

The ANYC renewed its demand for what it described as "true restructuring" of Nigeria, including fiscal federalism, resource control and devolution of powers to the regions and states.

The council argued that greater decentralisation would enable the different parts of the country to develop according to their peculiar circumstances while remaining within a united Nigeria.

It also urged the Federal Government to revisit the recommendations of the 2014 National Conference as part of efforts to address longstanding national questions.

Economy, education and jobs

On the economy, the youth body expressed concern over rising food, fuel and commodity prices, saying many ordinary Nigerians are struggling to meet basic needs.

It urged the government to support local production, stabilise the naira and provide measures capable of cushioning the effects of economic reforms on vulnerable Nigerians.

The council further demanded increased investment in education, healthcare, infrastructure, small and medium-scale enterprises, technology, agriculture and green infrastructure as ways of expanding employment opportunities for young Nigerians.

Call for Yoruba unity

The council also appealed to Yoruba socio-cultural groups to work towards greater unity, saying disagreements among groups should not permanently divide the Yoruba people.

It specifically called on traditional rulers in Yorubaland to facilitate reconciliation between Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams, and Yoruba self-determination advocate Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho.

The council said the reconciliation would help harness their respective strengths for the development of Yorubaland.

It further cautioned against allowing political differences to create divisions among Yoruba youths.

A similar call for reconciliation among Yoruba socio-cultural groups was made in August by representatives of several Yoruba organisations, including groups associated with Gani Adams and Sunday Igboho.

Appeal for peaceful elections

The ANYC urged political parties, security agencies, traditional institutions, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to work towards peaceful elections in 2027.

The council said political differences should not result in violence, stressing that Nigerian youths should pursue political participation through lawful and democratic means.

It also called for justice and equal application of the law, urging the judiciary to remain independent and ensure equal access to justice irrespective of status, ethnicity or religion.

The group said 2027 should mark a departure from cycles of electoral violence and disappointment.

"We, the Yoruba youth under Afenifere, pledge to mobilize peacefully, vote wisely, and hold leaders accountable," the council said.

The statement was signed by Ojajuni, National President, and Abiodun Aderohunmu, National Secretary of the Afenifere National Youth Council.