The National Chairman of Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has charged Nigerian youths to take active ownership of the country’s democratic process and resist any attempts by self-serving political actors to undermine national progress.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Professor Yilwatda described the youths, especially those aged 25 to 55, as the “critical force” needed to sustain Nigeria’s present stability and secure its future. He made the call against the backdrop of the Tinubu administration’s ongoing economic and structural reforms, warning that certain political interests are spreading misinformation about the reforms to advance narrow personal ambitions.97dfeb
“Nigeria’s democracy is at a defining moment. The responsibility to defend and consolidate it rests heavily on our youths, who possess the energy, innovation, and patriotic zeal required to move the nation forward,” the statement quoted Professor Yilwatda as saying.
The APC chairman stressed that the party would not allow individuals who offer “no credible alternatives” to past challenges to mislead citizens or truncate the gains of the current administration.
The statement, signed by Abimbola Tooki, Special Adviser to the National Chairman on Media and Information Strategy, highlighted the APC’s claim of being a truly youth-driven movement. According to the party, over 50 percent of its membership consists of young men and women, reflecting a deliberate policy of inclusion and generational renewal.
It further noted that the elevation of Professor Yilwatda — described as a youthful leader — to the position of National Chairman for the first time in the party’s history underscores the APC’s commitment to youth leadership in modern governance.
“By elevating a young leader to its highest administrative office, the APC has not only broken new ground but has also sent a powerful signal about its confidence in the capacity, vision, and dynamism of Nigeria’s younger generation,” the statement added.
Professor Yilwatda cautioned against entrusting the nation’s future to elements pursuing the presidency “at all cost,” saying it would be a costly mistake that could reverse hard-earned progress and return the country to uncertainty and stagnation.
While acknowledging the painful adjustments brought by the ongoing reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the APC chairman maintained that these measures are laying the foundation for long-term prosperity, fiscal stability, and global competitiveness.
He pointed to early positive indicators, including commendations from international bodies such as the World Bank, and growing investor interest in sectors like energy, infrastructure, technology, and manufacturing. Policy shifts in foreign exchange management, subsidy reforms, and investment liberalization have reportedly made Nigeria more attractive to both local and foreign capital.
“Young people bring adaptability, technological awareness, and a forward-looking mindset — qualities essential for deepening democratic values, enhancing civic participation, and holding leadership accountable,” Professor Yilwatda said, adding that a politically conscious youth population is the strongest safeguard against democratic backsliding.
The statement was issued on April 28, 2026, and comes as political activities intensify ahead of future electoral cycles.
This latest intervention by the APC National Chairman reinforces the ruling party’s narrative of reform-driven recovery while positioning youths as key defenders of democratic gains.
, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has charged Nigerian youths to take active ownership of the country’s democratic process and resist any attempts by self-serving political actors to undermine national progress.){kind=link}