LAGOS, NIGERIA — The APC Youth Network West Africa successfully held its Independence Day Walk in Lagos on Thursday, October 1, 2026, as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
The 5,000-person mobilisation brought together students, young people, members and supporters for a vibrant procession from the Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) area towards Ojota.
The walk combined the celebration of Nigeria’s Independence with the Network’s ongoing youth engagement, leadership development and grassroots mobilisation activities ahead of the 2027 elections.
Addressing participants and students, the Director General of APC Youth Network West Africa, Hon. Olatunde Igbasan, called on young Nigerians to take an active role in political, civic and national development processes.
Hon. Igbasan spoke against what he described as the “demarketing” of Nigeria and urged young people to use their voices and platforms to communicate positive developments taking place across the country.
He encouraged participants to pay attention to the activities and projects of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and to communicate what the administration has done, what it is currently doing and what remains to be accomplished.
The DG emphasised that young Nigerians have an important role to play in shaping the national conversation and communicating developments within their communities and across social media platforms.
A major part of Hon. Igbasan’s message was directed at students and younger participants.
He encouraged young Nigerians to look beyond the 2027 elections and begin preparing themselves for future leadership responsibilities.
According to the DG, political participation provides young people with opportunities to gain experience, understand governance and develop the knowledge and networks required for leadership.
He challenged students to become involved now rather than waiting until they are older before participating in political and civic activities.
Hon. Igbasan also spoke about his decision to mobilise support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He stated that his support was not sponsored by any individual politician or political organisation but was based on his assessment of the work being carried out by the Tinubu administration.
He called on participants to support and vote for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election and encouraged them to take the message of the Network’s mobilisation to their communities.
The DG urged participants to take the message beyond the Independence Day Walk and into their communities.
The Network’s “Door to Door, Market to Market” mobilisation message was reinforced as a key part of its grassroots engagement strategy.
Through this approach, APC Youth Network West Africa is taking youth engagement into communities, markets, schools and other public spaces while encouraging young Nigerians to become active participants in the country’s political and civic processes.
The walk also provided an opportunity for students and young participants to interact directly with Hon. Olatunde Igbasan.
The students engaged the DG on issues affecting young people and their participation in political activities, while he encouraged them to become more involved in civic and political processes.
The Independence Day Walk forms part of APC Youth Network West Africa’s continuing youth mobilisation programme as Nigeria moves towards the 2027 electoral cycle.
It also provided an opportunity for the Network to celebrate Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary while reaffirming its commitment to youth participation, grassroots engagement and the development of future leaders.
APC Youth Network West Africa Media Team
October 2, 2026
