Ibadan is set to host a major political convergence as prominent government officials, emerging political leaders, grassroots mobilisers, youth advocates, private-sector stakeholders and political actors from across Òyó State gather for the Òyó State Emerging Political Leaders Summit 2026, scheduled for August 24–25, 2026, at the Ibadan Civic Centre, Ibadan.
The summit, themed “Bridging the Gap, Uniting Political Strength, and Mobilizing Emerging Leaders for 2027,” is designed to provide a strategic platform for dialogue, networking, reconciliation and political mobilisation as stakeholders begin positioning for the 2027 general elections.
With more than 1,000 participants expected, the two-day gathering is anticipated to bring together emerging political leaders and stakeholders from across the political spectrum, including members of the APC, PDP, APM and other political parties, as well as independent mobilisers, community leaders, youth and women leaders, civil society actors and media professionals.
Zacch Adedeji to Lead Fiscal and Economic Conversation
One of the major figures billed to headline the summit is Dr. Zacch Adedeji, PhD, Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), who is expected to serve as Chief Facilitator.
Dr. Adedeji is scheduled to lead a critical conversation titled “Fiscal Renewal, Revenue Mobilization, and the Economic Future of Òyó State in the Context of Nigeria’s Progressive National Agenda.”
His session is expected to examine the relationship between economic governance, revenue generation, fiscal responsibility and sustainable development, while offering emerging political leaders a broader perspective on how public policy and economic reforms can influence the future of Òyó State.
The conversation is also expected to challenge emerging leaders to look beyond electoral politics and develop a deeper understanding of governance, economic opportunity and the responsibilities that come with political leadership.
Wike to Deliver Keynote Address
Another major attraction will be the participation of Barrister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON, Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, who is expected to deliver the keynote address.
Wike's keynote, titled “Bridging Political Divides, Building Strategic Alliances, and Mobilizing Òyó State for Progressive Victory in 2027,” is expected to focus on political strategy, alliance-building, reconciliation and the importance of developing a united political structure ahead of the next electoral cycle.
His participation is expected to add significant weight to the summit's central objective of encouraging strategic engagement among political actors and building stronger networks capable of influencing the political direction of the state.
JDS, Youth Leaders and Other Key Voices
The summit will also feature Chief Engineer Dotun Sanusi (JDS), who is expected to speak on “Private Sector, Grassroots Mobilization, and Building Political Strength for Òyó’s Future.”
His participation will bring the perspective of the private sector and grassroots development into the political conversation, particularly on the need for stronger collaboration between business leaders, community stakeholders and emerging political actors.
The youth component of the summit is equally expected to receive significant attention.
Comrade Ayodele Wisdom Olawande, Honourable Minister of Youth Development, will speak on “Youth Mobilization, Political Inclusion, and Building a New Generation of Electoral Victory,” while Mr. Dayo Israel, National Youth Leader of the APC, is expected to address “Emerging Political Leaders and the Future of APC Grassroots Mobilization in Òyó State.”
Also expected is Barrister Seyi Tinubu, who will speak on “Youth Engagement, Political Consciousness, and Mobilizing the Emerging Generation for 2027.”
The sessions are expected to examine the role of young Nigerians in political participation, leadership development, grassroots mobilisation and the future of democratic governance.
Economic Opportunity and Political Inclusion
The summit will equally feature Barrister Ismael Ahmed, OON, Executive Chairman of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative, who is expected to discuss “Energy Reform, Youth Enterprise, and the Politics of Economic Hope.”
His presentation is expected to explore the intersection between economic reforms, energy transition, entrepreneurship and opportunities for young people.
Other notable speakers include Oloye Jumoke Akinjide, who will address “Reconciliation, Political Relevance, and the Power of Inclusion in Òyó State Politics,” and Honourable Engineer Aderemi Abass Oseni, who will speak on “Grassroots Representation, Political Inclusion, and Mobilizing Emerging Leaders for APC Victory in Òyó State.”
Together, the sessions are expected to provide participants with diverse perspectives on political organisation, grassroots representation, economic development and generational inclusion.
Senator Barau as Special Guest of Honour
Senator Barau I. Jibrin, Deputy President of the Senate, is also expected to attend the summit as Special Guest of Honour.
His participation is expected to further strengthen the legislative and national dimension of the gathering, particularly as emerging political leaders seek greater understanding of the relationship between grassroots politics, legislative representation and national development.
50 Below 50 Project and Generational Inclusion Pact
A major highlight of the summit will be the launch of the 50 Below 50 Project, Òyó State Chapter, an initiative expected to spotlight and strengthen the participation of younger political leaders in the state's political space.
The event will also feature the signing of the Generational Inclusion Pact by Senator Sharafadeen Alli, APC Òyó 2027 Governorship Candidate, alongside emerging political leaders from across the state.
The initiative is expected to reinforce calls for greater inclusion of young leaders in political decision-making, leadership structures and governance.
A New Platform for Political Engagement
Beyond speeches and presentations, the summit is expected to provide an opportunity for participants to network, exchange ideas, build relationships and develop practical strategies for grassroots engagement.
Organisers say the summit is intended to address political fragmentation, strengthen communication among stakeholders, promote reconciliation and create a broader platform through which emerging leaders can contribute meaningfully to the political future of Òyó State.
The gathering is also positioned as an avenue for experienced political figures and the next generation of leaders to interact directly, share perspectives and explore areas of common interest.
As preparations intensify, expectations are building around what promises to be one of the significant gatherings of emerging political leaders in Òyó State ahead of the 2027 political season.
With prominent speakers, more than 1,000 expected participants and a programme centred on unity, inclusion, grassroots mobilisation, economic opportunity and strategic political engagement, the Òyó State Emerging Political Leaders Summit 2026 is poised to place emerging leadership at the centre of conversations about the state's political future.
Date: August 24–25, 2026
Venue: Ibadan Civic Centre, Ibadan, Òyó State
Theme: “Bridging the Gap, Uniting Political Strength, and Mobilizing Emerging Leaders for 2027.”
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