South-West Zonal Youth Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Barr. Adesuyi Daramola, has urged young progressives across the region to deepen grassroots participation and strengthen the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Daramola gave the charge on Thursday at the APC South-West Youth Leadership & Engagement Programme held at Lagos Television (LTV), Ikeja, Lagos, where youth leaders, elected officials, party stakeholders and emerging political leaders from the six South-West states gathered to discuss youth inclusion in governance, leadership development and capacity building.

He said young people must move beyond political mobilisation and become active participants in leadership and governance.

“Youth leadership must move beyond attendance and mobilisation. It must be about capacity, responsibility, participation, ownership and measurable political action,” he said.

Looking ahead to 2027, Daramola urged the participants to return to their respective states, local governments, wards and polling units better prepared and organised to contribute to the party’s development.

“Every state matters. Every local government matters. Every ward matters. Every polling unit matters. And every young progressive has a role to play,” he said.

Daramola also lauded Barrister Seyi Tinubu for his advocacy and support for greater youth inclusion, empowerment and participation in governance, describing his engagement with young Nigerians as an important contribution towards creating opportunities for a new generation of leaders.

He recognised the contributions of the Minister of Youth Development, Hon. Ayodele Olawande, and APC National Youth Leader, Dr. Dayo Israel, to youth development and political participation.

A member of the summit’s planning committee, Hon. Alabi Opeyemi, commended Daramola for his tenacity, courage and commitment to organising the programme, describing it as a timely platform for building the capacity of young progressives and promoting meaningful participation in politics and governance.

The summit also featured an interactive panel session involving Hon. Vinod Obasa, Hon. Dr. Muritala Seriki, Hon. Oluwagbemiga Abiola (Agbelebu), and Hon. M.I. Alli Balogun, who shared insights on leadership, grassroots mobilisation, political participation and youth involvement in governance.

The summit was attended by party leaders and stakeholders, including Hon. Adewale Temitope Adedeji (Jah), Hon. Bisi Yusuf, Hon. Lateef Ibirogba, Hon. Ayodele Elegbeleye, Hon. Leonard Akinribegbe, Hon. Moyosore Ogunlewe, Hon. Kolawole Babatunde, Hon. Adekunle and Hon. Elegbeleye, among others.