The Youth Assembly of Nigeria, YAN, has raised the alarm over what it described as growing attempts by certain interests within the All Progressives Congress (APC) to manipulate the process of electing the party’s next National Youth Leader.
National Speaker of YAN, Rt. Hon. Famuyibo Oluwasegun, in a statement on Sunday, said the organization is deeply concerned about signals suggesting that certain interests within the party may be attempting to narrow the contest through internal arrangements rather than open democratic competition.
The assembly cautioned that any move to restrict the contest through zoning, procedural barriers, or administrative technicalities could undermine transparency, fairness, and internal democracy, potentially alienating young party members.
“The position of National Youth Leader is not a ceremonial office but a strategic platform responsible for mobilizing millions of young Nigerians, particularly as the party prepares for the 2027 general elections under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” the statement added.
Famuyibo warned that imposing a candidate through backroom negotiations or limiting competition could generate dissatisfaction among youths across the country, drawing lessons from historical precedents where internal party arrangements triggered political crises, including the controversy involving veteran politician Sule Lamido.
The assembly further emphasized that retaining the current youth leadership without a transparent and competitive process would compromise the credibility of APC’s youth structure and reduce the party’s influence among young progressives.
“The National Convention must provide a level playing field where competent young leaders can freely present their ideas, strategies, and vision for the future of the party’s youth movement,” he stated.
He added that the stakes are high for the APC and the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that Northern youths, in particular, represent a crucial electoral demographic whose participation could influence the outcome of future elections.
