By Eze Victor
The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Ebonyi State Chapter, has issued a strong call for a decisive shift in Nigeria’s political culture, urging citizens to prioritize competence, integrity, and visionary leadership over entrenched political entitlement as the nation approaches the 2027 general elections.
Addressing journalists , Friday in Abakaliki during an Easter press briefing, the State Chairman, Douglas Ochishi, warned that Nigeria’s democracy stands at a critical inflection point, where the choices of today will determine the trajectory of governance, national cohesion, and socio-economic stability for decades to come.
According to him, the persistent recycling of underperforming political actors has not only eroded public trust but has also entrenched systemic inefficiencies, weakened institutions, and exacerbated the widening gap between government and the governed.
“Nigeria cannot afford another electoral cycle defined by mediocrity and political patronage. The era of entitlement politics must give way to a merit-driven leadership paradigm anchored on competence, accountability, and measurable impact,” he stated.
The Council emphasized that the credibility of Nigeria’s democratic process is increasingly under strain, noting that internal party dynamics, including opaque primaries and elite capture, continue to undermine the principles of participatory governance.
Ochishi cautioned that if urgent reforms are not embraced, the 2027 elections may further deepen political apathy, particularly among young people, whose confidence in democratic institutions has been steadily declining.
He stressed that the Permanent Voter Card (PVC) remains a strategic instrument for democratic recalibration, urging citizens especially the youth to leverage their electoral power to dismantle ineffective leadership structures and enthrone responsive governance.
Beyond politics, the NYCN linked Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges ranging from unemployment and inflationary pressures to declining living standards to a leadership deficit that prioritizes personal aggrandizement over public service.
The Council noted that without competent leadership, policies aimed at economic revitalization, youth empowerment, and infrastructural development will continue to yield suboptimal outcomes, thereby perpetuating cycles of poverty and inequality.
Ochishi underscored the need for leaders who possess not only technical expertise but also the political will to implement transformative policies capable of stimulating inclusive growth and sustainable development.
On the security front, the NYCN expressed grave concern over the persistent spate of violence across the country, referencing recent attacks in Jos and parts of Ebonyi State as stark reminders of the fragility of national security architecture.
The Council condemned the increasing sophistication of criminal elements, including the reported use of counterfeit military uniforms, describing it as a dangerous erosion of public trust in state institutions.
It called on security agencies to adopt intelligence-driven strategies, enhance inter-agency coordination, and ensure that perpetrators of violence are swiftly apprehended and prosecuted to restore confidence in the rule of law.
Framing its message within the spiritual significance of Easter, the NYCN invoked the core tenets of the Christian faith including sacrifice, redemption, and renewal as moral imperatives for national rebirth.
The Council urged Nigerians to transcend ethno-religious divisions and embrace a collective identity rooted in justice, compassion, and mutual respect, warning that the politicization of religion and identity continues to pose existential threats to national unity.
Ochishi called on religious leaders, including the Christian Association of Nigeria, to intensify advocacy for peace, ethical leadership, and civic responsibility among their congregations.
Central to the NYCN’s position is the urgent need to mainstream youth participation in governance. The Council reiterated that young people must transition from passive observers to active stakeholders in the political process.
It pledged institutional support for credible youth aspirants and announced plans for strategic initiatives, including leadership development and policy engagement platforms, aimed at preparing a new cadre of leaders equipped to navigate the complexities of modern governance.
As the countdown to 2027 gathers momentum, the NYCN maintained that Nigeria is confronted with a defining moment one that demands courage, discernment, and collective action.
“The future of our democracy hinges on our willingness to reject complacency and demand excellence. 2027 must not be business as usual; it must mark the beginning of a new governance ethos driven by competence, justice, and national interest,” Ochishi concluded.
The Council further urged citizens to remain vigilant, law-abiding, and actively engaged, emphasizing that sustainable democracy is not merely a function of periodic elections but a continuous process of accountability, participation, and reform.
