By Emem Nsini-Godwin
As Nigeria gradually inches toward the next election cycle, conversations about leadership, governance and the future of the country are becoming increasingly common among ordinary citizens. From concerns about the economy and insecurity to calls for electoral reforms and youth participation, many Nigerians are already looking ahead to 2027 with a mixture of hope and anxiety.
A team of correspondents from Impact Nigeria Newspaper stepped out to interview random young Nigerians and their response was quite interesting as narrated in this write up.
For Ayooluwa Adekoya, the issue goes beyond political personalities. What matters most, She says, is restoring trust in the electoral process.
“We are all anticipating that there should be a better approach to the electoral process,” Adekoya said. “It should be transparent, fair and open enough.”
Like many Nigerians who remain skeptical about election outcomes, Adekoya believes the country’s electoral body must improve its preparations and adopt modern technology to strengthen credibility.
“By now we should have e-voting,” he argued. “People shouldn’t even have to leave their houses. We need a better process.”
While critical of the country’s current direction under President Bola Tinubu, Adekoya insists that the focus should not be solely on who occupies the presidency.
“Let the people the citizens want be voted in,” he said. “There should be no tribal or ethnic sentiment and no injustice in the election process.”
Questions about leadership also reveal deeper concerns about religion and national unity. Although Adekoya expressed worries about religious extremism and the need for balance in governance, he ultimately believes competence should outweigh religious identity.
“It’s not just about voting for a Muslim or a Christian,” he said. “Let’s vote for who can do the job.”
Others are less engaged with daily political developments but remain deeply concerned about the country’s future.
- Praise admits he does not closely follow political campaigns, though he keeps up with current affairs through the news. Yet when asked about the prospect of President Tinubu remaining in office after 2027, his response was immediate.
“I don’t want to be negative, but the situation will be very tough,” he said. “He is ruling us; he’s not a leader, but a ruler.”
For Praise, leadership should create space for citizens’ voices and participation. He fears another term could further weaken democratic ideals.
Despite those concerns, he rejects the idea that religion should determine political leadership.
“I am not religious about politics,” he said. “Any religion can be in the seat. All we need is someone who can lead us right.”
Among younger Nigerians, however, there is a growing belief that political participation may be the key to changing the country’s trajectory.
Adol Measah sees encouraging signs ahead of the next election. He points to increasing awareness campaigns against vote-buying and greater involvement among young voters.
“There’s been a lot of campaigns about the selling of votes,” he said. “People are beginning to realize that collecting rice today can mean suffering for the next four years.”
Measah believes the youth population could become a decisive force if they remain engaged.
“We have to come together united in one voice and go out in massive numbers to register for voter cards,” he said. “That is our weapon as citizens.”
Like the other respondents, he is dissatisfied with the current state of affairs and worries about the country’s economic direction. Rising hardship, unemployment and inadequate infrastructure are among his greatest concerns.
“The economy should be tackled first, then infrastructural development,” he said. “If you go to school and graduate but there are no jobs and nothing is moving in the country, nothing will work for you.”
On the question of religion and leadership, Measah echoed a sentiment shared by many young Nigerians who increasingly prioritize performance over faith.
“It is not about whether the leader is Christian or Muslim,” he said. “It is about their mindset and how they want the citizens to live. Even a Christian can be selfish, so it really doesn’t matter.”
Though their backgrounds and perspectives differ, the three respondents share a common thread: a desire for a Nigeria that works better for its people. Whether through electoral reforms, accountable leadership, economic recovery or greater youth participation, their voices reflect the concerns of many citizens who are already looking beyond today’s challenges and toward the choices that will shape the country’s future.
As the road to 2027 begins to take shape, one message stands out clearly from these conversations: Nigerians may disagree on politics, but many remain united in their demand for credible elections, responsible leadership and a better future.
