The President We Want: Nigerian Youths Demand Jobs, Security & Real Change In 2027

By TINA TOLUTOPE & HALIMA TAKWAS & IFEOMA IZUCHUKWU & MAPHOSA AGUSE & MAY ETAGHERURE ATUZULO & ETETE EKONG & GEORGETTE CHIDI & ABDUL AHMED (A. A.) RUFUS

FROM the fear of graduating into unemployment to the struggle to keep small businesses afloat, young Nigerians across several states have outlined the qualities and policies they want from whoever emerges as president in 2027.

Their expectations cut across political affiliations and regional differences. They want jobs, affordable food and transport, reliable electricity, improved security, accessible education and healthcare, and leaders who can account for their decisions.

Respondents also say they will scrutinise the records and policy proposals of President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Peter Obi of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Governor Seyi Makinde of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) and other presidential contenders.

For these young people, the election should be about more than party slogans or the popularity of individual politicians. They want evidence that candidates understand their problems and have workable plans to address them.

Although their views differ on candidates’ age, experience, political continuity and personal characteristics, the respondents repeatedly return to one expectation: the next president should make a visible difference in the lives of ordinary Nigerians.

Ondo: Graduates Fear Unemployment as Businesses Feel the Pressure

In Ondo State, employment stands out as a pressing concern for Akinola Solomon, a final-year student at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko.

With graduation approaching, he said the prospect of leaving school without a job was frightening. Consequently, he would support a presidential candidate who could create opportunities for young graduates and other job seekers.

“As a prospective graduate, what I will look for is a leader who will be able to provide job opportunities or employment because the thought of graduating and being jobless is terrifying. I don’t pray to experience that,” he said.

For fashion designer Samuel Onigiobi, however, the immediate challenge is the cost of living and its effect on customers’ spending power. He said many people could no longer afford to have clothes sewn as rising expenses consumed more of their incomes.

“People hardly sew clothes anymore because the high cost of living is draining most of their income. So, I will look for a leader who can stabilise the economy and reduce the cost of living,” he said.

Praise Falade shared that concern, arguing that economic relief would benefit society beyond household budgets. In her view, reducing hunger would help people concentrate on productive activities and improve their livelihoods.

“I will look for a leader who can reduce the cost of living. If people are not hungry, they will be more productive,” she said.

Gombe: Safety & Public Trust Must Come First

In Gombe State, security and confidence in public leadership feature prominently in the expectations of James Muri, Suwaiba Adamu and Abdullah Sale.

Muri, a mechanic in Tunfure, said he would judge candidates by their ability to protect lives and property. For him, communities troubled by kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes need more than assurances delivered during election campaigns.

He wants practical action that would allow residents to work, travel and carry out their daily activities without fear.

Adamu, who studies at the Federal College of Education (Technical), Gombe, would focus more closely on the economy and the welfare of ordinary citizens. She said candidates should explain how they intend to address rising food prices, unemployment and declining household purchasing power.

She also called for more jobs, affordable education and accessible healthcare. Ultimately, she believes voters should judge the next administration by improvements in living conditions, not by the number of promises made before election day.

Sale, a tailor at Gombe New Market, placed integrity and accountability at the heart of his decision. He said popularity or party affiliation would not be enough to earn his support.

Instead, he wants a president who manages public resources transparently, appoints competent officials and explains government decisions to citizens. He also urged voters to examine candidates’ records and policies before deciding whom to support.

Abia: Security & Personal Qualities Shape Voters’ Choices

In Abia State, a student, a teacher and a tricycle operator identified security and employment as key concerns.

Nevertheless, their considerations extend beyond economic policy. The respondents said they would also examine candidates’ age, health, academic qualifications, international reputation, integrity and commitment to national development.

They believe that a candidate’s conduct, previous performance in public office and record in the private sector deserve scrutiny before voters make their choices.

One tricycle operator, who requested anonymity, also said his decision would reflect a candidate’s position on Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra.

The responses illustrate how national concerns can intersect with regional and personal issues when voters evaluate presidential candidates.

Anambra: Honesty & Performance Matter More Than Image

In Anambra State, Awka-based businesswoman Nkoli Ugboma, 38, said she would begin by assessing candidates’ honesty and willingness to keep their promises.

She also intends to examine their manifestoes, religious convictions and records in public office. For her, what candidates have done previously matters alongside what they say they will do if elected.

Businessman Ugochukwu Ikegbue similarly identified integrity, compassion and a clear vision for Nigeria’s economic future as essential qualities.

He also expressed a preference for younger candidates, arguing that age could influence how people think, make decisions and perform their responsibilities.

Ijeoma, a food science graduate who works as a hair stylist, said she would focus on candidates’ records in office. Her position reinforces the emphasis several respondents placed on previous performance rather than campaign image alone.

Enugu: Age, Credibility & the Question of Integrity

In Enugu State, student Emeka Uwakwe said a candidate’s age would influence his choice.

Civil society activist Comrade Amaka Ojo, on the other hand, identified credibility as her leading consideration. She wants a candidate whose public image and record can withstand scrutiny.

Obiinna Jideiofor said criminal records would also matter in his assessment, while human rights activist Ugo Chukwu identified ethnic nationality as a factor that would influence his decision.

Their responses reflect the range of personal, ethical and identity-related considerations that may shape individual voting decisions, alongside wider questions about the economy and public security.

Kwara: Education Costs & Electricity Join the Jobs Debate

In Kwara State, employment remains a major concern for Ilorin resident Dauda Lawal, who said he would favour a candidate with a credible strategy for creating jobs for young Nigerians.

Adedayo Ishola placed greater emphasis on education costs. He wants a president committed to reducing the financial burden on students and their families.

Meanwhile, Aliyu Kure said regular electricity supply and economic prosperity would determine his choice.

These priorities point to the links between employment, education and infrastructure. For young people seeking work, businesses hoping to expand and students trying to complete their studies, dependable public services and affordable opportunities can be as important as campaign commitments.

Ekiti: Voters Want Relief from Everyday Hardship

In Ekiti State, Olayemi Adeoye said he would support a presidential candidate with realistic economic policies and a credible plan to tackle insecurity.

Agnes Oni also called for practical measures to reduce petrol prices, transport fares and the cost of food and other essential goods and services.

Her concerns reflect the pressures that rising transport and living expenses can place on household budgets. Consequently, she wants candidates to explain how their proposals would translate into tangible relief.

Young graduate Olusola Adeoti focused on unemployment and workers’ welfare. He said the next president should develop a deliberate strategy for creating jobs, review the minimum wage in line with prevailing economic realities and improve Nigerians’ standard of living.

University student Alex Adeleke, meanwhile, highlighted the recurring disruption of academic activities. He said he would favour a candidate committed to industrial harmony on university campuses to prevent strikes by academic and non-academic staff.

He also urged the next administration to maintain student loan programmes and other policies designed to help students finance their education.

Imo: Industrial Revival & Stable Power Could Unlock Opportunity

In Imo State, respondents expressed dissatisfaction with the country’s economic conditions and called for a president capable of reversing the trend.

Chima Ubaka said competence and the ability to deliver would guide his decision. He argued that Nigeria had the resources to improve its fortunes but needed leadership capable of converting those resources into meaningful development.

Ndidi Anochuwa identified job creation, industrial development and the revival of dormant industries as priorities. In her view, restoring productive enterprises could expand employment opportunities and strengthen the economy.

Nkechi Enwerem said the harsh economic climate was hurting her small business. As a result, she would support a candidate committed to restoring stable electricity and addressing insecurity.

For business owners such as Enwerem, dependable power and a safer operating environment are not abstract policy goals. They directly affect operating costs, productivity and the ability to sustain a livelihood.

Bayelsa: Small Businesses Need a Government That Understands Their Struggles

In Bayelsa State, Yenagoa phone repairer Reginald Ogundu said the next president should prioritise affordable food, transport and other necessities while expanding employment opportunities and supporting small businesses.

“I want a president who understands what ordinary Nigerians are going through. The cost of food and transportation is affecting everyone, and we need a leader who can make life easier for the people,” he said.

Preye Baro also wants candidates to explain their plans for jobs, education, healthcare and infrastructure. She urged young voters not to allow party loyalty to overshadow the substance of candidates’ proposals.

“I will look at what each candidate has done before and what they plan to do for young people. Having a good speech is not enough if there is no clear plan to create jobs and improve our lives,” she said.

Commercial tricycle operator George Orukari identified insecurity, high living costs and poor roads as concerns that would influence his choice.

He said candidates must explain how they intend to address those problems and demonstrate a commitment to accountability.

“Before I vote, I want to know what the candidate will do about insecurity, the high cost of living and bad roads. I will compare their records and promises before making my choice,” he said.

Together, their views suggest that many voters want specific answers about how presidential policies would affect household expenses, business operations, transport and personal safety.

Cross River: Campaign Promises Must Produce Results

In Cross River State, respondents called for a president who would fulfil campaign promises, expressing frustration with successive administrations they believe have failed to meet public expectations.

Emmanuel Etuk, an Accounting graduate of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), said he would not support President Bola Tinubu because, in his assessment, the president had failed to deliver on his campaign commitments.

Etuk said the country needed “a president who has the fear of God and has the people at heart”. He added that the next leader should be “honest, intellectually sound, above all, one who is a promise keeper”.

Hannah Arikpo said candidates should demonstrate their commitment to their promises through visible action at the grassroots. For her, the impact of government policies should be evident in communities rather than confined to speeches and official announcements.

Another respondent called for a compassionate president who would support vulnerable Nigerians through regular empowerment and skills acquisition programmes. The respondent argued that such initiatives could help young people become more self-reliant.

Car wash operator Saviour Ekpeyong also wants a president determined to improve the country’s fortunes. He urged voters to avoid repeating what he regarded as the mistake of electing a leader whose administration produces no visible impact.

Delta: Maturity, Education & Patriotism Under Scrutiny

In Delta State, respondents identified maturity, competence, educational qualifications and commitment to Nigeria as important qualities for the next president.

Banker Biose David advocated raising the minimum age for presidential candidates, arguing that the demands of the office should inform the eligibility threshold.

Motor mechanic Bashiru Oganla said candidates should possess the necessary educational qualifications, communicate effectively in the country’s official language and be physically and mentally capable of handling the responsibilities of the presidency.

Newspaper vendor Best Agbaike stressed patriotism and commitment to national development. He also argued that candidates should satisfy constitutional eligibility requirements and be free from disqualifying criminal convictions, particularly those involving treason, electoral offences or corruption.

Their views show that, for these respondents, the question of leadership extends beyond policy proposals to include qualifications, conduct and the standards expected of anyone seeking the highest political office.

Oyo: Protecting Lives & Expanding Education

In Oyo State, respondents said they would look for candidates with practical plans to tackle insecurity, protect lives and property, and establish lasting peace and stability.

Abidemi Adewale, Abigail Sanusi and Tosin Feranmi identified security as a major national problem requiring decisive action.

They also expressed concern about the education sector, particularly the large number of children who remain out of school.

Accordingly, they said the next administration should make quality education more accessible, affordable and inclusive, regardless of children’s backgrounds or where they live.

Their position links education to a broader question of opportunity: voters want a system in which children can attend school and acquire the skills needed to participate in the country’s economic and social life.

Jigawa: Divided Views on Continuity as Farmers Feel the Squeeze

In Jigawa State, respondents offered different views on whether Nigeria should continue with its current political leadership or choose a new direction in 2027.

Musa Sani, 27, a tea vendor in Shuwarin town, Kiyawa Local Government Area, said he would examine candidates’ past performance and records before deciding whom to support.

Hajiya Rabi Usman of Kazaure Local Government Area preferred a new candidate. She argued that the current leadership had failed to resolve the country’s security and socio-economic challenges, attributing the situation to poor policies.

Musa Ismail of Dutse Local Government Area, however, supported continuity. Although he acknowledged that conditions had not improved as much as he expected since Tinubu assumed office, he said the president should have another opportunity to correct his mistakes.

In Ismail’s view, electing a new leader would introduce uncertainty about the direction and performance of future policies.

For farmer Malam Garba, 60, of Kafin Gana town in Birnin Kudu Local Government Area, the most urgent issue is the economic pressure on agricultural livelihoods.

He said rising petrol prices and other farm input costs had reduced his earnings over the past three years. At the same time, he lamented that prices for farm produce had fallen by more than 50 per cent.

Garba said he would support a candidate capable of creating an enabling environment for farming and local businesses to thrive. He also called for a president prepared to tackle poverty and reverse worsening living conditions.

His account illustrates the difficulties that can arise when production costs increase while the prices farmers receive for their produce decline.

A Common Demand for Results, Despite Different Preferences

Across the states represented in the report, young Nigerians expressed different opinions about age, political continuity, identity, personal qualities and the candidates they might support. Nevertheless, their responses repeatedly returned to economic opportunity, personal safety and credible leadership.

For some, the priority is a first job after graduation. Others want cheaper food, transport and education, reliable electricity, stronger small businesses or better protection from violent crime. Still others insist that integrity, accountability and a record of keeping promises must guide the choice of a president.

Their views do not amount to a nationally representative survey, and they do not establish how young Nigerians as a whole will vote. However, they provide a snapshot of concerns raised by individual respondents across the states covered.

As the 2027 election approaches, presidential candidates will face demands to explain not only what they intend to achieve but also how they plan to achieve it. For the young people interviewed, campaign rhetoric will need to give way to clear proposals, credible implementation plans and measurable results.