IPAC Backs Bill To Reserve 30% Parliamentary Seats For Nigerian Youth Ahead Of 2027 Elections

IPAC Backs Bill to Reserve 30% Parliamentary Seats for Nigerian Youth Ahead of 2027 Elections Ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has thrown its weight behind a proposed bill seeking to reserve 30 per cent of seats in the National Assembly for young people, describing the initiative as a necessary step toward inclusive governance and political participation. IPAC said the proposed legislation aims to address the longstanding underrepresentation of youths in Nigeria’s political leadership despite their significant demographic advantage. The council noted that young Nigerians constitute the majority of the country’s population but remain largely excluded from decision-making positions. According to IPAC leadership, reserving legislative seats for youths would deepen democracy, encourage political inclusion, and create opportunities for emerging leaders to contribute meaningfully to national development. The council emphasised that increased youth participation in governance could help bridge generational gaps in policymaking while promoting innovation and fresh perspectives within Nigeria’s legislative process. IPAC also urged political parties to begin deliberate reforms that would create pathways for young candidates to emerge during party primaries ahead of the 2027 polls. The body stressed that internal party democracy must reflect Nigeria’s youthful population structure. Stakeholders supporting the proposal argue that structural barriers such as high nomination fees, political godfatherism, and limited access to campaign resources have historically prevented young Nigerians from contesting elective offices. The proposed bill, if passed by the National Assembly and signed into law, would introduce a quota system designed to guarantee youth representation alongside existing constitutional provisions promoting inclusiveness. Political observers say the move aligns with growing calls for generational power shift and broader participation following previous advocacy efforts such as the Not Too Young To Run movement, which successfully lowered age requirements for elective offices. IPAC maintained that empowering young people politically is essential for strengthening democratic institutions and ensuring sustainable national development.

As preparations gradually begin for the 2027 elections, the council expressed optimism that lawmakers, political parties, and civil society organisations would collaborate to advance reforms capable of expanding youth representation in Nigeria’s parliament.