Youths from Northern and Southern Nigeria have come together in a rare show of unity, signing a peace accord aimed at strengthening national cohesion ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The agreement, reached in Kaduna, signals a joint resolve by young Nigerians to reject ethnic and religious divisions and to play a more coordinated role in the country’s political and economic future.
The gathering, which brought youths from across the North, South-East, South-South and South-West under one roof, took place at the historic Arewa House in Kaduna.
It was organised by the National Youth Alliance (NYA) and ended with the signing of a peace pact titled “The Birthing of a New Nigeria.”
Participants committed themselves to peaceful engagement, unity of purpose and collective action as Nigeria moves closer to another election cycle.
The accord comes at a time when tensions often rise along regional and religious lines as elections approach.
Over the years, Nigerian youths have frequently been mobilised as foot soldiers in political battles, with long-standing grievances such as unemployment, insecurity and poverty making them vulnerable to manipulation.
Speaking at the event, Vice-Chairman of the NYA (North), Abubakar Mohammed-General, criticised what he described as decades of exploitation of young people by political elites.
He said youths had been deliberately divided through misinformation and false narratives, turning them against one another instead of allowing them to contribute meaningfully to national development.
“For decades, politicians and elites have been using us to gain power and political relevance. They divided us along religious and ethnic lines. So much fake news and misinformation were dished out so that we would continue to see ourselves as sworn enemies,” General said.
On his part, Vice-Chairman of the NYA (South), Meshack Onyeche, stressed that the unity of Nigeria remains non-negotiable.
He said young people across the country had agreed to rise above divisive politics and reject attempts to pitch one region against another.
“Nigeria can never be divided. Nigeria is our country. Nobody can divide us,” Onyeche declared.
He added that youths have suffered the most from political instability and economic decline, noting that many have been used to serve narrow interests that do not improve their lives or communities.
Earlier, the Convener of the National Youth Alliance, Ambassador Aliyu Bin Abbas, reflected on the journey of the group. He explained that the alliance initially attempted to register as a political party but was turned down by the Independent National Electoral Commission at the time.
“Instead of being defeated, we continued our programmes and eventually metamorphosed into a movement,” Abbas said.
He accused political leaders of consistently misleading young Nigerians, arguing that many in positions of authority prioritise personal and family interests over the collective good of the country.
“The reality today is that our leaders have been misleading the youth for a very long time. They are only concerned about their families,” he said.
The Kaduna meeting highlighted growing efforts by youth groups to promote dialogue and national unity amid worsening insecurity, economic hardship and concerns about the future of Nigeria’s democracy.
Many youth leaders believe that building cross-regional cooperation is key to preventing violence and divisive rhetoric in the run-up to the 2027 polls.
Since its emergence as a movement, the National Youth Alliance has focused on advocacy, peacebuilding and political awareness, positioning itself as a bridge between young people in the North and South.
The peace accord signed in Kaduna reflects a broader determination among youths to speak with one voice and resist being used to fuel conflict during election periods.
Nonsense. Youth whose future have been denigrated by the ancestors that seized power perpetually.