Plateau youths give conditions for participation in election

With the 2027 general elections on the horizon, young people across Plateau State have sent a clear message to political parties and governorship hopefuls that their support will no longer be given for free.

Under the umbrella of the Plateau State Youth Council (PYC), in collaboration with the Youth Initiative Against Violence and Human Rights Abuse (YIAVHA), youths in the state have established a binding list of conditions required to earn their votes in the upcoming governorship election.

The conditions—centered around urgent action on unemployment, rising insecurity, political inclusion, and economic opportunities—are detailed in the newly launched “Plateau Youth Charter of Demands for Peace and Inclusive Governance.”

The comprehensive document was formally unveiled during a validation meeting at the Youth Centre in Jos, the Plateau State capital.

Built on a survey of 782 young residents across all 17 local government areas, the charter captures diverse perspectives, including those of young women, persons with disabilities, and rural youths without internet access.

Speaking at the unveiling, PYC Chairman, Mr. Pannan Garren Dafar, criticized politicians for routinely using young people as political foot soldiers during campaigns while marginalizing them once in power.

“Our goal is to shift from passive participation to active accountability,” Dafar stated.

He disclosed plans to host town hall sessions with all governorship aspirants to review the charter and secure firm commitments before ballots are cast.

Echoing these sentiments, the Executive Director of YIAVHA, Mr. Jacob Choji Pwakim, highlighted that youth groups have historically mobilized massive voting blocs without establishing frameworks to monitor performance post-election.

“This time around, the Plateau Youth Council has developed a document that will shape conversations for now and for the future,” Pwakim said.