ABUJA — Former presidential candidate and opposition leader Peter Obi has issued a powerful mandate to the younger generation, urging Nigerian youths to “rise, work hard, and reclaim their country” as the nation enters a critical phase of political realignment.
In a stirring address delivered on Monday, January 26, 2026, the former Anambra State Governor emphasized that the socio-economic salvation of Nigeria rests squarely on the shoulders of its youth. Obi, who has become the face of a burgeoning “Third Force” movement, argued that the time for passive observation has passed, given the severe economic headwinds and high unemployment rates currently facing the nation’s largest demographic.
“Nigerian youths must rise, work hard, and reclaim their country,” Obi declared. He clarified that this “reclamation” is a call for intensive civic engagement, grassroots mobilization, and a total rejection of the “transactional politics” that has historically hindered the nation’s development. He urged the youth to channel their energy into the democratic process to ensure that leadership reflects the true aspirations of the people.
The call comes at a strategic moment, as the African Democratic Congress (ADC)—the platform increasingly associated with Obi’s 2027 ambitions—intensifies its nationwide membership drive. Addressing various youth-led organizations and members of the “Obidient” movement, Obi noted that a “New Nigeria” is only possible if the youth commit to the discipline and hard work required to displace the entrenched political status quo.
“The future of Nigeria will not be given; it must be taken through a shared vision of a productive society,” he added. Political analysts suggest that Obi’s latest rhetoric is a calculated move to re-energize the youth voting bloc that formed the bedrock of his 2023 campaign, positioning them as the primary drivers of institutional change for the 2027 election cycle.
As of Monday, January 26, 2026, Obi’s message is resonating across social media platforms, sparking renewed debate over the role of the youth in upcoming polls. While the ruling administration has frequently dismissed such calls as populist, the persistent mobilization of the younger generation remains a significant factor in the evolving political landscape of the federation.
