The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Nentawe Yilwatda, has called on Nigerian youths to take ownership of the country’s democratic process and play a more active role in safeguarding its future.
Yilwatda made the call in a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Media and Information Strategy, Abimbola Tooki, amid ongoing political and economic reforms in the country.
He urged young Nigerians, particularly those within the 25 to 55 age bracket, to rise to the responsibility of defending democracy against what he described as attempts by self-serving political actors to mislead citizens and derail national progress.
According to him, Nigeria’s democracy is at a critical stage, requiring the active participation of youths to sustain its stability and growth.
“The responsibility to defend and consolidate our democracy rests heavily on our youths, who possess the energy, innovation and patriotic zeal needed to move the nation forward,” Yilwatda said.
He warned against individuals pursuing personal political ambitions at the expense of national interest, noting that such actions could reverse the gains already recorded.
The APC chairman also highlighted the party’s youth-driven structure, stating that over 50 per cent of its membership comprises young men and women, reflecting its commitment to inclusion and generational renewal.
He described his emergence as national chairman as a milestone for youth leadership within the party, adding that it signals confidence in the capacity of young Nigerians to drive governance and reforms.
Yilwatda acknowledged that reforms introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu have come with challenges, but insisted they are necessary for long-term economic stability and growth.
He said early indicators suggest the policies are repositioning the country for fiscal stability, improved investment climate and global competitiveness.
The APC chairman further noted that Nigeria’s reform efforts have attracted commendation from international organisations, including the World Bank, adding that this has begun to restore investor confidence.
He pointed to increased interest in sectors such as energy, infrastructure, technology and manufacturing as evidence of renewed optimism in the economy.
Yilwatda stressed that a politically conscious and engaged youth population remains the strongest safeguard against democratic decline, urging young Nigerians to remain vigilant and committed to national development.
