Lagostrend report that the South-West Youth Voters’ Group Cites Economy, Security, Jobs, Education and Good Governance as Reasons for Endorsement

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: Wednesday, October 7, 2026
Venue: Yaba, Lagos

The South-West Voters Association of Nigerian Youths (SWAVANY) has officially endorsed Prince (Dr.) Adewole Adebayo, the Presidential Candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), as its preferred candidate for the 2027 presidential election.

The endorsement was announced on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, in Yaba, Lagos, following what the organisation described as a three-month internal consultation and assessment process involving youths and stakeholders across the South-West.

According to SWAVANY, the process included manifesto scrutiny, consultations and town-hall engagements involving youths, students, artisans, market women, farmers and professionals, with particular attention to candidates’ policy proposals, public records and approaches to Nigeria’s economic and security challenges.

The association said its decision was informed by its assessment of Adebayo’s proposed policies on employment, economic development, domestic production, security, education, healthcare, youth participation, governance and accountability.

SWAVANY said it has structures across the six South-West states of Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo and Ekiti, and described itself as a grassroots socio-political movement with structures at local government and ward levels.

Nigeria at a Critical Crossroads

Speaking on the reasons behind the endorsement, the association said Nigeria’s current economic and social challenges require sustained public attention and policy responses capable of improving living standards and expanding opportunities for young Nigerians.

SWAVANY highlighted concerns over the cost of living, unemployment and underemployment, insecurity, energy supply, access to quality education and healthcare, as well as the migration of young Nigerians in search of opportunities abroad.

The association referenced Nigeria’s multidimensional poverty challenge, noting that the National Bureau of Statistics’ 2022 Multidimensional Poverty Index found that 133 million Nigerians, representing 63 per cent of the population at the time of the survey, were multidimensionally poor.

SWAVANY said these challenges make the 2027 election an important opportunity for Nigerians to examine the programmes and policy proposals of all presidential candidates before making their choices.

Why SWAVANY Says It Chose Adebayo

The association said its decision was particularly influenced by the policy direction contained in Adebayo’s 2027–2031 “Farewell to Poverty and Insecurity” blueprint.

Adebayo’s published manifesto outlines 12 presidential missions covering security, food production, electricity, affordable energy, jobs and enterprise, education and skills, healthcare, infrastructure, innovation, transparent government, federalism and foreign policy.

On employment, SWAVANY said it was encouraged by Adebayo’s proposal to create 30 million jobs through sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, digital innovation and related productive activities. His published policy materials similarly identify productive employment, industrialisation, MSME finance and skills development as central elements of his economic programme.

On security, the association pointed to Adebayo’s proposal for stronger intelligence-led security, improved policing and defence readiness, technology deployment and enhanced protection of communities, borders and critical infrastructure.

Domestic Refining, Energy and Industrial Development

SWAVANY also highlighted Adebayo’s proposals on domestic energy production and industrialisation.

According to the candidate’s published blueprint, his administration would seek to increase domestic refining, expand gas development, improve energy logistics and reduce the economy-wide cost of fuel and electricity. The plan also proposes distributed electricity initiatives and greater domestic production capacity.

The association said it believes greater domestic production could create opportunities for Nigerian businesses, entrepreneurs and young people while reducing dependence on imported goods.

Youth Participation and Inclusion

Another major consideration cited by SWAVANY was youth participation in governance.

The association said Nigerian youths should not only participate in elections as voters but should also have meaningful opportunities to contribute to governance, economic development and national decision-making.

Adebayo’s published policy materials place considerable emphasis on youth and women’s economic participation, including access to credit, apprenticeships, skills development and youth-led business opportunities.

SWAVANY said its endorsement was therefore intended to encourage greater youth engagement with political programmes and the electoral process.

Rule of Law, Transparency and Accountability

The association further said it was attracted to Adebayo’s emphasis on constitutional governance, transparency and accountability.

His published blueprint proposes reforms involving public procurement, public financial management, whistleblower protection, performance contracts for senior officials and greater transparency in government operations. It also proposes stronger institutional independence for anti-corruption agencies.

SWAVANY said it expects political leaders seeking the support of Nigerian youths to place measurable results, accountability and public welfare at the centre of governance.

Formal Endorsement

Following its consultations, the association formally declared its support for Prince Adewole Adebayo and the SDP ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

SWAVANY President and Convener, Otunba Subomi Kolawole, said the organisation’s endorsement represents the position reached by its leadership following the internal process.

The association also announced that its state, zonal, local government, ward and polling-unit structures would commence grassroots voter education and mobilisation activities around its chosen candidate.

SWAVANY said it has set a target of mobilising six million youth votes across the South-West, while encouraging eligible voters to obtain their voter credentials, study the programmes of all candidates and participate peacefully in the electoral process.

The association further called on youth organisations, student groups, artisans, market associations and other civic groups across the South-West to participate actively in political and democratic processes.

Call for Issue-Based Politics

SWAVANY said the 2027 election should be driven by ideas, policies and the ability of candidates to explain how their programmes would address the challenges facing Nigerians.

The association urged young Nigerians to scrutinise the manifestos of all presidential candidates, ask questions about implementation, examine candidates’ records and make informed choices at the ballot box.

The 2027 presidential election is currently scheduled by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), although voters are encouraged to rely on INEC’s official timetable and announcements for authoritative electoral information.

SWAVANY concluded that its endorsement of Prince Adewole Adebayo reflects its present political position and commitment to mobilising its members around the candidate and the SDP ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

The association expressed its hope that the election would be peaceful, credible and focused on the future of Nigeria.

Signed:

Otunba Subomi Kolawole
President / Convener
South-West Voters Association of Nigerian Youths (SWAVANY)

Arowosomo Ayomide Aderayo
Director of Mobilization and Strategy
South-West Voters Association of Nigerian Youths (SWAVANY) to 1