Zikoko Citizen is preparing to host the second iteration of its significant event, The Citizen Townhall. This gathering is set to be the most impactful civic assembly for young Nigerians in anticipation of the 2027 general elections, organized in collaboration with Luminate and the Open Society Foundation. The event is scheduled for February 28, 2026, and will take place at Four Points By Sheraton in Lagos.

This year’s Townhall will focus on the theme, “Who Shapes the Nigerian Life?”, shifting the dialogue from conventional election discussions to the underlying systems and institutions that profoundly influence the lives of young Nigerians. A prominent feature of the event will be the official introduction of The Citizen Report, an authoritative data resource designed to highlight youth perspectives on governance, civic engagement, and collective citizen actions that shape lived realities.

The 2026 Citizen Townhall is conceptualized as an experience-driven forum, distinct from traditional policy conferences. It intricately combines data analysis, storytelling, and cultural elements to assist participants in comprehending the complexities of governance. Key activities planned include The Citizen Exhibition Walkthrough, an interactive and immersive experience built upon insights from The Citizen Report. Through data visualizations, sticker walls, and reflection cards, attendees will confront how institutions and budgetary allocations translate into tangible outcomes concerning health, safety, and dignity.

The event will also feature three impactful panel discussions, each delving into critical themes of accountability, representation, and civic action. These sessions will bring together youth policy leaders, prominent media figures, and development professionals from partner organizations. Additionally, an intimate Fireside Chat will provide a human-centered exploration of how individual lives are reshaped by Nigerian systems, offering a vulnerable perspective on navigating and challenging the prevailing status quo.

The formal launch of The Citizen Report is a cornerstone of the Townhall, unveiling authoritative data that amplifies youth perspectives on crucial issues. For instance, recent data indicates that misinformation has discouraged over 60% of young Nigerians from actively participating in political processes.

The timing of this event is particularly significant. With approximately 70% of Nigeria’s population under the age of 35, the youth demographic represents the nation's primary social capital. Despite this, young people remain largely marginalized from formal political engagement. The Townhall is strategically scheduled to intervene before the pre-election period becomes dominated by noise, offering a shared civic reality for its young audience and providing them with the necessary vocabulary to use within their communities and digital spaces moving forward. The question of who shapes Nigerian lives is pertinent daily, and this event presents an opportunity to influence future developments. Interested individuals are encouraged to register. BellaNaija serves as a Media Partner for Zikoko Citizen for this event.