Emerging Political Leaders Fellowship 2026

🏛️ About The Fellowship

The Emerging Political Leaders Fellowship (EPLF) is an initiative by The Bridge Leadership Foundation. This non-partisan program is designed to nurture and prepare young Nigerians for political leadership at local, regional, and national levels. The fellowship aims to improve the quality of Nigeria’s leadership pool and enhance the impact of developmental interventions.

The program addresses deep-rooted leadership challenges by equipping fellows with critical knowledge to thrive in Nigeria’s political arena.

🎁 Benefits

Participants of the fellowship will enjoy the following benefits:

• Access to a high-impact political leadership development program.
• Training by a distinguished faculty of political leaders and experts.
• Group mentorship from past and serving Nigerian political leaders.
• Opportunity to design and implement a civic engagement project.
• Development and presentation of a Capstone Project and policy brief.
• Membership in the EPLF Alumni Network.
• Increased visibility within Nigeria's political ecosystem.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be active in mainstream politics in Nigeria.
• Have a proven track record of service within a community, region, or Nigeria.
• Demonstrate accountability, integrity, strategy, and resilience.
• Be aged between 25 and 35 years (Applicants aged 36-45 with a strong application can still apply).
• Meet all statutory requirements to run for office at all levels in Nigeria.
• Have no criminal record.
• Have no ongoing criminal case/investigation with any national or international security body (e.g., Interpol, EFCC).

📝 Application Date and Process

To apply, ensure you complete the following:

1. Submit a completed online application form.
2. Provide an up-to-date CV (PDF format, maximum of 3 pages).
3. Longlisted applicants will need to submit a 3-5 minute video application.

📅 Application Deadline

28 February, 2026

🌐 Application Portal

For more details about the fellowship, visit the official website.

To apply directly, complete the application form here.

This fellowship is a unique opportunity for aspiring political leaders in Nigeria to gain the skills, mentorship, and visibility needed to make a meaningful impact in the political arena.

• Access to a high-impact political leadership development programme.
• Training by a distinguished Faculty of political leaders and experts.
• Group mentorship from past and serving Nigerian political leaders
• Opportunity to design and implement a civic engagement project
• Capstone Project development and policy brief development presentation.
• Membership in the EPLF Alumni Network
• Increased visibility within Nigeria's political ecosystem.