The State Youth Leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State, Hon. David Mzer, on Wednesday joined youths across the globe to commemorate the 2026 International Youth Day with high-level engagements at the State Secretariat of the PDP in Makurdi.

The event, themed “How Youth Political Participation Will Curb Voter Apathy in Nigeria,” brought together young party members, student leaders and youth advocates for robust discussions on democracy, leadership and electoral participation.

In his welcome address, Hon. Mzer, a former Principal Special Assistant on Media to the Governor of Benue, emphasised that the future of Nigeria and Benue State lies in the hands of active and politically conscious young people. He noted that voter apathy remains one of the biggest threats to democratic development and can only be addressed when youths take ownership of the political process. “This gathering is more than a celebration. It is a call to action. If we want better governance, better representation, and a stronger Benue, then young people must show up, speak up, and vote,” he stated.

He also disclosed that the leader of the party in the state, Chief Samuel Ortom, the State Chairman of the PDP in Benue State, Rt. Hon. Ezekiel A. Adaji, and the governorship candidate of the party for the 2027 election, Chief Mike Kaase Aondokaa, SAN, are working together to ensure that the youths will be adequately compensated once the party returns to power in 2027.

The programme featured discussions on political participation, democratic development and strategies to increase youth involvement in Nigeria’s electoral process. Speakers agreed that mentorship, civic education and inclusion in party structures are key to unlocking youth potential. Party leaders charged PDP youths to mobilise ahead of 2027.

In his remarks, former State Youth Leader of the party, Hon. Philip Mbakuuv Ankyhquwa, appreciated the tireless efforts of the PDP Youth Leader for organising the event to celebrate PDP youths who stood firm for the party when it suffered defeat in the 2023 elections. He urged them to maintain the tempo as campaigns approach.

Hon. Jennifer Ornguga Jennifer, the Coordinator of the PDP Female Wing, Benue State, thanked the Youth Leader and urged women to actively participate in the forthcoming elections. “The female wing will bring more votes in the forthcoming election. I charge our ladies to vote for all PDP candidates,” she said.

Delivering goodwill messages, youth leaders including Comr. Simeon Tersoo Shie of Aliade Road PDP Youths and Comr. Jam Terfa of Gboko Road PDP Youths described young people as the “strength, potential and driving force” behind the PDP’s vision for a better Benue and Nigeria. They pledged to return to their various communities and mobilise support for all PDP candidates in the forthcoming elections.

Participants pledged to mobilise their peers ahead of future elections and to take up leadership roles within their communities and the party. The event concluded with a call for unity, service and sustained engagement as the PDP in Benue positions youths at the centre of its rebuilding agenda, as well as commendation for the Senatorial candidate of the PDP for Benue North East Senatorial District, Thomas Tyolumun Unongo, and the Majority Leader of the Benue State House of Assembly, Hon. Thomas Dugeri, for supporting PDP youth groups for the success of the 2026 International Youth Day celebration.