EPL Summit
EPL Summit
EPL Summit
EPL Summit
EPL Summit
EPL Summit
EPL Summit
EPL Summit
EPL Summit
Empowering Future Leaders

EMERGING POLITICAL LEADERS SUMMIT 2026

Join the most influential gathering of emerging political leaders. Connect, learn, and shape the future of governance.

500+
Leaders
20+
States
2
Days
About the Summit

Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders

The Emerging Political Leaders Summit brings together visionary minds from across the globe to foster innovative solutions, build meaningful connections, and shape the future of governance.

Innovation-Driven Discussions

Engage in cutting-edge conversations that challenge conventional thinking and inspire breakthrough solutions.

Global Network Building

Connect with like-minded leaders from diverse backgrounds and create lasting partnerships that transcend borders.

Transformative Learning

Participate in workshops and sessions designed to enhance leadership skills and political acumen.

The Conference Experience

Two Days of Transformation

The Emerging Political Leaders Summit is open for young persons, accomplished leaders who contribute to the current context of political discourse and debate, and aspiring leaders who seek to build a prosperous and progressive political system.

500+
Participants
2 Days
Of Impact
1

Opening Ceremony & Keynotes

Begin with inspiring keynote speeches from renowned political leaders and thought leaders who will set the tone for transformative discussions.

2

Interactive Workshops & Panels

Engage in hands-on workshops covering policy development, campaign strategies, and effective governance techniques led by industry experts.

3

Networking & Collaboration

Connect with peers through structured networking sessions, collaborative projects, and informal meetups that foster lasting professional relationships.

What You'll Gain

  • Advanced leadership and communication skills
  • Global network of political leaders and changemakers
  • Practical tools for effective governance and policy-making
  • Insights into current political trends and future opportunities
VISION

Empowering a new generation of visionary leaders who drive inclusive governance, sustainable development, and positive change in Nigeria.

Building inclusive democratic institutions
Fostering sustainable development practices
Promoting ethical leadership standards
MISSION

To equip emerging political leaders with skills, networks, and knowledge to lead effectively, promote accountability, and shape Nigeria's future through responsible governance and citizen engagement.

Skills Development

Leadership training and capacity building

Network Building

Connecting leaders across Nigeria

Knowledge Sharing

Best practices and innovative solutions

Executive Summary

The Emerging Political Leaders Summit 2026 (EPLS) is a landmark national civic-political leadership gathering designed to mobilize, educate, and activate Nigeria's next generation of leaders ahead of the 2027 General Elections.

500+
Emerging Leaders
36
States Represented
2
Days of Impact
2027
Election Focus

The summit brings together young political aspirants, community leaders, professionals, civil society actors, policymakers, innovators, media, and development partners to foster dialogue, share best practices, and develop actionable strategies for national renewal.

EPLS is intentionally practical, outcome-driven, youth-centered, and media-visible, blending inspiration with hands-on engagement and post-summit activation. Rather than just dialogue, it will create a pipeline of politically conscious young Nigerians ready to engage responsibly in governance, elections, advocacy, and leadership.

BACKGROUND & RATIONALE

Nigeria stands at a defining crossroads. With over 60% of the population under 35 years old, the future of the nation's democracy depends largely on the readiness of its youth to participate meaningfully in governance. Yet, political apathy, lack of access, misinformation, and mistrust of institutions continue to hinder young people's engagement.

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Emerging Political Leaders Summit Logo

EMERGING POLITICAL
LEADERS SUMMIT 2026

4TH EDITION

Theme:

FORWARD TOGETHER: PREPARING EMERGING

LEADERS FOR 2027 ELECTIONS

Building Trust, Driving Progress..

19TH & 20TH MAY 2026

BUILDING A NEW NIGERIA

Youth, Leadership, Governance & the Road to 2027

Rotunda Hall, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Central Business District, Abuja

KEY FEATURES

Keynote Speeches
Networking and mentorship sessions
Plenary and breakout sessions
Interactive session (Q&A)
Policy hackathons

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, GCFR

His Excellency

Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, GCFR

Former President of Nigeria

Mallam Nuhu Ribadu

Mallam Nuhu Ribadu

National Security Adviser

Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, GCON

Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, GCON

Speaker, House of Representatives

Hon. Olawande Emmanuel Ayodele

Hon. Olawande Emmanuel Ayodele

The Honorable Minister of Youth development & Chief Host

KEY SPEAKERS & PANELISTS

H.E Gov. Nasir Idris

H.E Gov. Nasir Idris

Kebbi State Governor

Sen. Hope Uzodinma

Sen. Hope Uzodinma

Chairman, Progressive Governors' Forum

Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo

Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo

Governor Kogi State

Mr. Peter Obi

Mr. Peter Obi

Former presidential aspirant, LP

H.E Gov. Dauda Lawal

H.E Gov. Dauda Lawal

Zamfara State Governor

Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf

Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf

Governor, Kano State

Sir. Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS

Sir. Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS

Governor, Rivers State

Alexander Chioma Otti OFR

Alexander Chioma Otti OFR

Governor, Abia State

Dr. Zacch Adelabu Adedeji

Dr. Zacch Adelabu Adedeji

Chairman, Nigeria Revenue Board

Okanlomo Seyi Tinubu

Okanlomo Seyi Tinubu

Chief Facilitator

Barr. Ismaeel Ahmed, OON

Barr. Ismaeel Ahmed, OON

Executive Chairman, PCNGi

Rt. Hon. James Abiodun Faleke

Rt. Hon. James Abiodun Faleke

Member House of Reps.

Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd) OFR

Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd) OFR

Honorable Minister of Defense

Father Matthew Hassan Kukah, CON

Father Matthew Hassan Kukah, CON

Founder, The Kukah Center

Rt. Hon. Bunmi Tunji-Ojo

Rt. Hon. Bunmi Tunji-Ojo

Hon Minister of Interior

Prof Joash Amupitan

Prof Joash Amupitan

Chairman, INEC

Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi

Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi

Director General, Energy Commission of Nigeria

Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

Senator representing Kogi Central

Samson Itodo

Samson Itodo

Executive Director, YIAGA Africa

Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE

Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE

Director General, NITDA

Rep Mohammed Bello El-Rufai

Rep Mohammed Bello El-Rufai

Kaduna North Federal Constituency

Barr. Jordan Nyesom-Wike

Barr. Jordan Nyesom-Wike

Mrs. Hadiza Bala Usman

Mrs. Hadiza Bala Usman

Former Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority

Dr. Dayo Isreal

Dr. Dayo Isreal

APC National Youth Leader

Comrade Smart Olalekan Edward

Comrade Smart Olalekan Edward

Supreme Leader of the Natives

EXPECTED OUTCOMES

Summit Communiqué with actionable recommendations.

Creation of Emerging Political Leaders Ambassador Network.

Policy briefs and white papers on key thematic areas.

Action plans for youth and women inclusion in 2027 elections.

PARTNERSHIPS AND STAKEHOLDERS

Government Agencies
INEC, Ministry of Youth, Ministry of Women Affairs
Political Parties
All Political Parties in Nigeria
Development Partners
UNDP, EU, USAID, Commonwealth, AU
The Diplomatic Community
U.S Consulate, British High Commission
Civil Society Organizations
YIAGA Africa, CODE
Media Organizations
Legit.NG, Major Newspapers, TV Stations, Radio stations
Influencers:
Real Warri Pikin, Governor Amuneke
Hon. Wale Ajani

Hon. Wale Ajani

Convener

Emerging Political Leaders Summit Logo
Powered by:
Close The Gap Initiative
Suite 201Y Novare Central by Spar Wuse Zone 5 Abuja - FCT
eplsummitng@gmail.com
www.eplsummit.ng
08032266543
Mr. Mathias Tsado

Mr. Mathias Tsado

Project Manager

OUR FACILITATORS

Comrade Blessing Akinlosotu

Comrade Blessing Akinlosotu

Executive Director National Civil Council Bureau of Youth

Lauretta Chinenye O.

Lauretta Chinenye O.

Otumba Michael Husan HON

Otumba Michael Husan HON

Hon. Olalade John NHI

Hon. Olalade John NHI

Special Adviser on Youth & Student Matters to Kogi state Government

Hon. Abdullahi Suleiman Ango

Hon. Abdullahi Suleiman Ango

National Secretary for Agriculture and Rural Development

Hon. Sola Olofin

Hon. Sola Olofin

Chairman NSITF

Murtala Adogi Mohammed Ph.D

Murtala Adogi Mohammed Ph.D

Founder/CEO Systems Strategy

Ahmed Buhari

Ahmed Buhari

Hon. Olamijuwon Alao-Akala

Hon. Olamijuwon Alao-Akala

Member House of Reps

Nafisa Atiku-Abubakar

Nafisa Atiku-Abubakar

MODERATORS

Chamberlain Usoh

Chamberlain Usoh

Political Editor, Channels TV

Seun Okinbaloye

Seun Okinbaloye

Station Manager, Channels TV Abuja

Adaora Onyechere

Adaora Onyechere

Newscaster AIT

COMMUNICATION
OFFICERS

Om'Oba Jerry Adesewo

Om'Oba Jerry Adesewo

David Opeyemi oke

David Opeyemi oke

Summit Convener
Get In Touch

Ready to Connect?

Join our community of emerging leaders or get in touch to learn more about upcoming summits and opportunities.

Send us a Message

Get in Touch

Email

info@eplsummit.ng

Phone

+234-80-322-665-43

Office

Suite C14 Amsalco Plaza, Dunukofia Street by FCDA, Area 11, Garki

Abuja, Nigeria