By Gabriel Ewepu

ABUJA- AHEAD of the 2027 general elections, the South East Youth, SEY, Friday, called on the leadership of the All Progressive Congress, APC, to connect with the youths in the South East region.

According to the Research Coordinator/Chairman SEY4P, Ugah Chukwuemeka, the report emanated from a comprehensive political perception study conducted across tertiary institutions in South East Nigeria, revealing a widening disconnect between young people in the region and the APC, which raised urgent concerns about youth engagement, political inclusion, and future electoral competitiveness in the region.

Chukwuemeka said the study conducted between March and May 2026, surveyed 12,480 respondents across 29 universities and 9 polytechnics located in Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo States. Participants included undergraduate students, young graduates, entrepreneurs, job seekers, NYSC members, and first-time voters between the ages of 18 and 35. 

 Meanwhile, the report warned that failure to urgently reconnect with South East youths could deepen political distrust and create long-term voter resistance among a generation that is becoming increasingly influential in determining political outcomes.

According to the findings, many young people in the region felt excluded, lack visible opportunities, limited representation, and the perception that government initiatives do not directly impact their lives.

The researchers observed and claimed that a significant number of respondents struggle to identify specific government programmes that have positively affected them or their immediate communities. This has created a situation where political opinions are increasingly formed through secondary sources rather than personal experience.

The report also found that social media now plays a dominant role in shaping political attitudes among South East youths. Many respondents indicated that they receive most of their political information through digital platforms where anti-government and anti-APC narratives often dominate discussions. In the absence of sustained engagement and direct communication, these narratives have become influential in shaping public perception.

One of the most important findings of the study is the central role of economic hardship in shaping political sentiment.

Researchers noted that concerns about unemployment, underemployment, inflation, and declining purchasing power featured prominently across all states and demographic groups surveyed.

Many respondents expressed frustration over limited access to quality jobs, entrepreneurship support, digital opportunities, and pathways to economic advancement.

The report concludes that economic intervention may be one of the most effective tools available for rebuilding trust and strengthening engagement with young people in the region.

The report reads in part, “Youths are increasingly evaluating political institutions through the lens of opportunity, economic inclusion, and measurable impact. Where opportunities exist, trust can grow. Where opportunities are absent, skepticism deepens.”

Researchers also emphasized that engagement must move beyond occasional political events and become a sustained process built on listening, participation, and visible outcomes.

Some of the report’s recommendation include; Immediate youth engagement programmes across the South East; Creation of large-scale youth empowerment and employment initiatives focused on skills development and income generation; Expansion of digital economy opportunities, remote work programmes, innovation hubs, and entrepreneurship support schemes; Establishment of digital media response teams to counter misinformation and improve awareness of government programmes.

Increased inclusion of South East youths in federal appointments, advisory bodies, and strategic leadership positions; Consistent town hall meetings with students, entrepreneurs, young professionals, and community stakeholders; Greater investment in education, technology, innovation, and youth-focused development programmes; and creation of structured platforms for continuous dialogue between government institutions and young people.