The Renewed Hope Campus Dialogue in Abuja has continued to spotlight growing concerns around electoral integrity, youth participation, and democratic responsibility as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections.
At the centre of the conversation was Amb. Victor Adetolaju, youth advocate, President Association of Students’ Social Welfare (ASSW), and Chairman, Student Chamber of Commerce who called on Nigerian youths to reject vote buying and all forms of electoral inducement that undermine democratic credibility.
Speaking at the event held at the Federal Ministry of Environment, Maitama, Abuja, Adetolaju stressed that the future of Nigeria’s democracy depends heavily on the political awareness and ethical decisions of young voters, who constitute a significant portion of the electorate.
He warned that electoral malpractice continues to weaken governance outcomes and urged students to prioritize national interest over short-term personal gain during elections.
According to him, leadership choices made during elections directly influence education, employment opportunities, and national development outcomes.
He further encouraged young Nigerians to actively participate in Continuous Voter Registration and ensure they obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of the 2027 elections.
Adetolaju emphasized that civic responsibility must go beyond awareness campaigns, calling for active resistance against practices that distort democratic processes.
He also urged student leaders across campuses to take up roles as ambassadors of voter education and ethical participation within their institutions and communities.
His remarks formed part of broader discussions at the Renewed Hope Campus Dialogue, which brought together youth leaders, policymakers, and student representatives under themes focused on democratic participation, leadership development, and student empowerment.
The programme also featured the launch of a Campus Food Bank initiative aimed at supporting students facing economic hardship across tertiary institutions.
The dialogue concluded with renewed calls for stronger youth participation, improved electoral integrity, and expanded democratic inclusion ahead of the 2027 general elections.