Youth Party has launched what it described as a nationwide grassroots mobilisation campaign ahead of its ward, state and national congresses, declaring that it is positioning itself as an alternative political movement focused on governance and community engagement.
 
At a stakeholders’ engagement ahead of the congresses, party officials said the mobilisation drive was aimed at building a new generation of political leadership and expanding participation across communities nationwide.
 
According to the timetable released by the party, Ward and Local Government Congresses will hold on May 16, State Congresses on May 20, while the National Convention is scheduled for May 23, 2026.
 
Speaking during the engagement, a party official, Solomon Oyekunle, said the party was determined to chart a different political direction from what he described as the “old order” in Nigerian politics.
 
“We are not here to ask for a seat at the table of the old order. We are building a new table,” Oyekunle said. “The Youth Party is not a waiting room for 2027. It is the emergency room for Nigeria right now.”
 
He stressed that the party should not be viewed strictly as a platform for young people, but as a movement driven by competence and accountability.
 
“We are not a retirement plan for career politicians looking for a softer landing. This is a platform for builders, for people who solve problems — whether they are 25 or 55,” he added.
 
The party said it had adopted what it termed a “grassroots membership sprint,” with volunteers moving through markets, motor parks, offices, factories and worship centres to recruit new members and engage residents directly.
 
A field coordinator at the event said the strategy was designed to reduce dependence on expensive political rallies and focus instead on direct community interaction and service.
 
“We don’t have money to buy crowds. So, we are earning them — one honest conversation, one cleared drainage, one open microphone at a time,” the coordinator said.
 
He added that party volunteers had also been involved in community-based interventions in some areas as part of efforts to demonstrate practical governance.
 
The party further disclosed that one of the major highlights of the National Convention would be “The People’s Podium,” a session where citizens including teachers, commercial motorcycle riders and traders would present concerns gathered during consultations across the country, while party leaders respond publicly.
 
“We are burying the era where politicians speak and the people listen. In the Youth Party, the people speak first,” Oyekunle stated.
 
The party also said the convention would feature the unveiling of “Solution Squads,” described as community action teams expected to coordinate grassroots interventions and mobilisation efforts nationwide.
 
Oyekunle said the initiative was part of the party’s commitment to promoting civic responsibility and encouraging citizens to take greater ownership of governance and development in their communities.
 
“We are not only committed to reclaiming leadership for the people. We are taking back ownership for the state of our communities and our nation. For far too long we abdicated our duty to distant politicians,” he said.
 
The National Convention is expected to attract delegates, volunteers and first-time members from across the country as the party intensifies preparations ahead of the 2027 political season.