Over 707 ethnic nationalities youth leaders across Nigeria have thrown their weight behind President Bola Tinubu’s bid for a second term in office, while calling for the amendment of the Constitution to introduce a single seven-year tenure for all elective officeholders.
The demand, according to the youths, would help stabilise governance, reduce political tension, and end the costly cycle of perpetual electioneering that often cripples national development.
The position was made during the 1st All Nigerian Ethnic Nationalities Youth Conference 2025, held at the Main Auditorium, Green Building, Federal Ministry of Environment, Abuja, with the theme: “Emboldening a New Nigeria of Our Dream.”
The event, convened by Aare (Barr.) Oladotun Hassan, President of the Nigeria Youth Coalition (NYC), was dedicated to the 30th anniversary of Kenule Beeson “Ken” Saro-Wiwa (GCON)—the late environmental activist and writer executed in 1995 for championing the rights of the Niger Delta people.
In his keynote address, Aare Oladotun Hassan said Nigeria’s democracy has suffered from the “ritual of endless elections” that distract leaders from governance and overburdened the economy.
“We are proposing a single, seven-year tenure for all elected officials beginning before the 2027 general elections,” he said.
“This will allow leaders to focus on performance, governance, and national development rather than wasting valuable time on electoral battles every few years.”
He argued that the constant election cycles have created a “politically charged atmosphere that stalls real growth and development,” adding that “Nigeria needs time-bound leadership stability to achieve the Renewed Hope Agenda.”
The conference, attended by youth representatives from over 707 ethnic nationalities, unanimously endorsed President Tinubu’s second term, describing him as a “symbol of democratic continuity and a stabilising force in turbulent times.”
“President Tinubu has demonstrated resilience and courage in steering Nigeria through difficult economic transitions,” Hassan said.
“We acknowledge the inherited economic challenges, but we are convinced that with stability and time, the reforms will yield results.”
The group also honoured Alhaji Aliko Dangote (GCON) with the Legend of Democracy Hero Award for his investments in national development and industrial growth, while calling on the Federal Government to protect private investors from undue harassment and regulatory intimidation.
The youth leaders urged the government to grant Dangote Refinery direct access to crude oil supply and exploration licences to enhance productivity and reduce fuel costs.
“With proper support, Nigerians should be able to buy fuel at N200 per litre,” Hassan noted.
“We must move away from the subsidy chaos and embrace policies that drive affordability and self-sufficiency.”
The gathering also commemorated 30 years since the execution of Ken Saro-Wiwa, the Ogoni environmentalist who was hanged under the Abacha regime for his activism against oil pollution.
“Ken Saro-Wiwa’s death remains a painful reminder of the cost of speaking truth to power,” Hassan said.
“Thirty years on, the issues he died for—environmental degradation, oil exploitation, and neglect of the Niger Delta—still persist.”
The group commended the Nuhu Ribadu-led Committee on Ogoni Clean-Up but demanded faster implementation and broader compensation for affected communities.
In a landmark declaration, the coalition called for the drafting of a New People’s Constitution that reflects the will of Nigerians and addresses structural inequalities in governance.
They proposed a single seven-year tenure for elective offices, 35% budgetary allocation to Education, 25% to Youth Development, 15% to Traditional Institutions, and the creation of a Federal Ministry of Chieftaincy and Traditional Affairs to strengthen cultural leadership.
They also called for a review of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) to increase host community benefits from 3% to 30%, as well as the establishment of National Agricultural Economic Development Zones to drive mechanised farming and reduce food insecurity.
Reaffirming their commitment to democracy, the youth leaders strongly condemned renewed calls for military intervention in governance.
“It would be absurdly crude and undemocratic for anyone to advocate a return to military rule,” Hassan declared.
“President Tinubu, Senator Shehu Sani, and other patriots in NADECO fought for the democracy we now enjoy; we must never betray that struggle.”
He urged the Federal Government to review policies causing hardship, including fuel price hikes, electricity tariffs, and currency devaluation, and instead adopt pro-people economic measures to cushion the effects of ongoing reforms.
The highlight of the conference was the 100 Heroes of Democracy Awards, which recognised outstanding Nigerians for their roles in defending democracy and promoting development.
Among the awardees were President Tinubu (Maverick Hero of Democracy), Governor Siminalayi Fubara (Legend of Democracy Hero), Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
Others included Vice President Kashim Shettima, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, and others.
A posthumous Doyen of Democracy Award was conferred on Ken Saro-Wiwa for his undying spirit of activism and sacrifice for justice.
Concluding the session, Hassan said the youth coalition would continue to engage constructively with government on national issues.
“We must build a Nigeria where leadership is measured by performance, not by tenure extensions or electoral contests,” he said.
“The seven-year single tenure will give every leader the time and peace to deliver — and every Nigerian the hope that democracy can truly work.”
