Youths, CSOs urge Goodluck to contest for 2027 elections

The Coalition of Patriotic Youth Leaders (COPYL) and the Forum of Civil Society Organizations for a Better Nigeria, has called on Chief Goodluck Nwaneri and other young Nigerians to actively engage in politics and contest for political offices ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The coalition also gave Chief Nwaneri one week to consider their call and respond. They remain optimistic that he will accept the challenge.

The leader of the coalition, Comrade Rikki Nwajiofor, at a joint world press briefing in Abuja, described Nwaneri as a beacon of transformational leadership and a role model for Nigerian youths.

Nwajiofor emphasized the need for visionary and selfless leaders to take charge of Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He urged Chief Nwaneri to step into the political arena in Imo State as a representative of the youth and civil society community.

He said: “We hereby make a Clarion Call on Chief Goodluck Nwaneri to consider and step into the political arena in Imo state as an anointed mandate and ambassador of the Youth, and representative of the Civil Society Community.

“Like Joshua, who led his people into the Promised Land, we believe that Chief Nwaneri has the strength, wisdom, empathy, and passion to navigate Imo state through the challenges of governance, economic revival, and social transformation.”

“He stressed that this call was not merely political but a duty to serve, as Imo State deserves responsive governance and visionary leadership. The coalition gave Nwaneri a one-week ultimatum to respond to their call, expressing confidence in a positive reply.

The coalition also reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that the 2027 elections are free, fair, and reflective of the people’s will.

He added, “We assure Chief Nwaneri, and others we shall periodically unveil, that it will no longer be business as usual in our elections. The Nigerian youth and organized civil society will ensure that citizens’ votes count and that the people’s mandate stands this time around. Power belongs to the people, and we will translate this from mere words to concrete reality across Nigeria.”

The coalition noted that recognizing and encouraging leaders like Nwaneri is a strategic approach to fostering good governance.

The coalition noted that their advocacy goes beyond criticizing bad governance, as they are also committed to recognizing and celebrating individuals who have demonstrated exemplary leadership.

In his remarks, the President of the Nigeria Youth Organization and Chairman of Queen Assembly Initiative, Dr. Duke Alamboye, reaffirmed the coalition’s commitment to ensuring credible leadership in Nigeria.

He said: “We are setting a precedent by identifying competent individuals like Chief Nwaneri who have proven their dedication to societal progress. The youth and civil society are determined to ensure that votes count and the true mandate of the people stands in 2027.”

Similarly, Felix Tolorunju Idowu, President of the We Are United Movement of Nigeria, stressed that the 2027 elections would be a defining moment for Nigeria.

He said: “We need our own candidates, trusted individuals who have made significant societal impacts without government backing. The political landscape is changing, and we are ready to ensure that those who truly serve the people emerge as leaders.”