Afenifere Youths Demand Restructuring, State Police Ahead of 2027 Elections

 

By oluwaseyi fadoro 

The Afenifere National Youth Council (ANYC) has called for urgent reforms in Nigeria’s security, electoral, economic and governance systems ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The group also renewed its demand for restructuring, fiscal federalism, resource control and the devolution of powers to the states and regions, arguing that Nigeria’s current structure is hindering development.

The demands were contained in a statement presented by the ANYC at a World Press Conference held at Oduduwa House, Ikeja, Lagos, on Monday 

The statement, signed by the National President of ANYC, Prince Eniola Ojajuni, and National Secretary, Abiodun Aderohunmu, addressed what the organisation described as 10 critical national issues ahead of the 2027 elections.

On security, the Yoruba youth organisation expressed concern over killings, kidnappings, banditry and farmer-herder clashes across the country.

While acknowledging efforts by the Federal Government, ANYC called for more intelligence-driven security measures, stressing that the protection of citizens’ lives must remain a priority.

The group also urged eligible Nigerians, particularly youths, to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards and participate actively in the electoral process.

According to ANYC, young  Nigerians should educate themselves about candidates and make informed choices at the polls, rather than remain politically apathetic.

The organisation called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure free, fair and credible elections, urging the commission to strengthen the use of technology and ensure the transparent transmission and collation of results.

ANYC said Nigerians should have confidence that their votes would determine electoral outcomes, while expressing concern over situations where election disputes end up being determined by the courts.

On restructuring, the group advocated fiscal federalism, resource control and greater devolution of powers to states and regions within a united Nigeria.

It also backed the establishment of state and local government police, arguing that security challenges require solutions that take local circumstances into account.

The organisation, however, stressed that such policing structures must be properly trained, adequately funded and subject to effective legal oversight.

ANYC further called on Nigerian youths to reject thuggery, vote-selling, tribalism and get-rich-quick tendencies, urging them to embrace productivity, entrepreneurship, technology, agriculture and other productive ventures.

On the economy, the group expressed concern over the rising cost of food, fuel and other essential commodities, saying ordinary Nigerians were facing significant economic pressure.

It called on the government to support local production, provide targeted relief measures and implement policies that would improve economic opportunities and living standards.

The group also demanded increased investment in education, healthcare, environmental protection, small and medium-scale enterprises, technology and job creation, particularly for young Nigerians.

ANYC further called for stronger commitment to the rule of law and social justice, urging institutions of government to ensure that justice is administered without discrimination based on status, ethnicity or religion.

Call for Yoruba Unity

The Afenifere youth body also used the occasion to call for greater unity and reconciliation among the Yoruba people, saying political and ideological differences should not permanently divide the people.

The organisation appealed to traditional rulers in Yorubaland, whom it described as custodians of Yoruba culture and heritage, to facilitate reconciliation between Aare Gani Adams, the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, and Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho.

According to ANYC, the reconciliation would help harness the strengths and potentials of both men for the benefit of Yorubaland.

The group also cautioned against using youths as instruments of political conflict, stressing that disagreements should not be allowed to degenerate into violence among young people.

ANYC urged the Federal Government, INEC, security agencies, political parties and other stakeholders to take steps to ensure that the 2027 elections become an opportunity to strengthen democratic participation and accountability.

The organisation pledged to mobilise Yoruba youths peacefully, encourage civic participation and hold elected leaders accountable.

“A new Nigeria is possible, and it starts with us,” the group stated.

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