The Afenifere National Youth Council (ANYC) has called for political restructuring, fiscal federalism and the establishment of state and local government police ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The group also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure free, fair and credible elections, with results determined by votes cast by Nigerians.
ANYC National President Prince Eniola Ojajuni made the demands on Monday at a press conference held at Oduduwa House, Ikeja, Lagos.
Ojajuni said Nigeria’s security challenges required urgent intelligence-driven reforms focused on protecting lives and property.
While acknowledging the Federal Government’s efforts to address insecurity, he called for further measures to tackle killings, kidnapping, banditry and farmer-herder clashes.
On the 2027 elections, the group urged eligible Nigerians, particularly youths, to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), study the candidates and participate actively in the electoral process.
ANYC said INEC should maintain its impartiality and deploy transparent technology to protect election results from polling units through the collation process.
The group also called for greater equity among Nigeria’s geopolitical zones, saying appointments, policies and development should reflect the country’s diversity and federal character.
It renewed its call for restructuring through fiscal federalism, resource control and devolution of powers to states and regions.
According to the organisation, greater decentralisation would enable states and regions to develop according to their peculiar circumstances while remaining part of a united Nigeria.
ANYC also backed the establishment of state and local government police, arguing that decentralised policing would enable security agencies to respond more effectively to local threats.
On the economy, the group expressed concern over the rising cost of food, fuel and other essential commodities, urging the Federal Government to strengthen social interventions, support local production and improve Nigerians’ purchasing power.
It called for increased investment in education, healthcare, environmental protection and job creation, particularly through small and medium-scale enterprises, technology and agriculture.
The organisation also urged youths to reject thuggery, vote-selling and tribalism and embrace productivity, integrity, entrepreneurship and civic participation.
On justice, ANYC called for equal application of the law regardless of status, ethnicity or religion, as well as an independent judiciary and greater equity in access to opportunities.
The group further urged traditional rulers in Yorubaland to facilitate reconciliation between Aare Ona Kakanfo Gani Adams and Yoruba activist Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho.
It said Yoruba youths should not be divided or mobilised against one another because of political differences.
Ojajuni said ANYC would mobilise youths peacefully for the 2027 elections and hold political leaders accountable.
He was accompanied at the briefing by the organisation’s National Secretary, Abiodun Aderohunmu.
The group said the 2027 elections should give Nigerians an opportunity to demand accountable leadership, credible elections, and policies aimed at improving living conditions.