The Initiative for a Better and Brighter Nigeria has called on women and youths to take a more active role in Nigeria’s political process, describing their participation as critical to strengthening democracy ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The call was made during a one-day political sensitization programme held in Sokoto on Saturday, with the theme, “Women and Youth Involvement in Politics: A Panacea for Democratic Growth.”
The IBBN Chairman, Ibrahim Wakili, in his welcome address, said the organisation was conceived and nurtured by its Global Leader, Dr. Isa El-Buba, and has since spread to all the 36 states of the federation.
Wakili said the programme was organised to enlighten members of the public and encourage them to make informed political decisions as the country gradually prepares for the next general elections.
“The future of our democracy depends greatly on the level of involvement of women and youths who constitute a significant segment of our society,” he said.
According to him, the organisation remains committed to mobilising citizens and guiding them towards credible political choices.
“As an organisation, we will carefully study individuals aspiring for political offices, examine their track records and guide our supporters toward making credible choices,” Wakili said.
He also commended the IBBN team in Sokoto State for their resilience and commitment to advancing the vision of a better Nigeria.
“Our founder has continued to demonstrate tireless dedication and sacrifice, working day and night to ensure that the vision of a better and brighter Nigeria becomes a reality,” he added.
Wakili explained that participants at the programme were carefully selected because of their ability to influence people in their various communities.
“They have the strength and capacity to mobilise thousands of people and guide them toward making the right political decisions,” he noted.
In his opening remarks, the IBBN Coordinator, Okechukwu Okoh, said the gathering was meant to inspire hope among citizens that a new Nigeria was possible through dedication and collective responsibility.
“We want to reassure Nigerians that with commitment and determination, a new Nigeria is possible,” he said.
Delivering the keynote address, Professor Sarafa Ogundiya of the Department of Political Science, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, urged Christian youths to participate actively in electoral activities, saying civic engagement was consistent with biblical teachings.
“Political participation is not unbiblical. Christian youths should not shy away from participating in electoral activities and leadership processes,” he said.
Ogundiya noted that women constitute between 49 and 49.6 per cent of Nigeria’s population, while youths account for about 35 per cent, giving them the numerical strength to influence political leadership.
He encouraged them to participate in politics through voter registration, community engagement, joining political parties and advocating for good governance.
The professor also highlighted some of the motivations that drive individuals into politics, including the quest for power, social relevance and economic opportunities.
However, he identified major challenges affecting youth and women participation in politics, including money politics, thuggery, godfatherism and manipulation.
Ogundiya further advised churches to avoid direct involvement in partisan politics but to encourage members to participate responsibly in democratic processes.
“Churches should not directly participate in politics, but they should encourage members to register as voters, participate in elections and monitor the process to ensure transparency and fairness,” he said.
In his remarks, the Sokoto State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Dr. Kayode Moses James, commended the organisation for initiating the sensitisation programme.
“This kind of enlightenment is necessary at a time when many youths are losing interest in political participation,” he said, urging Christian youths not to shy away from engaging in politics.
Also speaking on behalf of traditional rulers present at the event, the Eze Ndigbo of Sokoto, Eze Tobi Gbaghara, the Sarkin Igbo III of the state, urged youths to actively participate in politics within their capacity.
He described the initiative as timely and capable of positively shaping the political future of Christian youths and women in the country.
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