By Nefishetu Yakubu
The Nigerian Youth Congress (NYC) has called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the controversy surrounding the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary process in Kwara.
Addressing journalists on Friday in Abuja, NYC National President, Mr Jethro Annum said the development had raised critical concerns about youth inclusion, democratic participation, and political justice.
Annum said the issue transcended Kwara politics and touched on broader questions about whether loyalty, sacrifice, and commitment still attracted recognition within Nigeria’s political system.
“When young people dedicate years to party building and grassroots mobilisation, what exactly is their reward?” he asked.
According to him, many young Nigerians are questioning whether loyalty remains a virtue or has become a liability in contemporary political participation.
Annum said the congress was not interfering in party affairs but was concerned about the implications of the development for democratic values and youth engagement.
He noted that the controversy attracted national attention because of the prominent role allegedly played by Ambassador Abdulfatai Seriki in Kwara’s political development.
He described Seriki as a symbol of constructive youth participation who had created opportunities, empowered young people, and supported communities across political divides.
“Few young political leaders can point to such a record of loyalty, service, restraint, and commitment,” Annum said.
He recalled that many stakeholders believed consensus had emerged after the governor reportedly endorsed Abdulfatai Seriki, leading to widespread alignment among aspirants and supporters.
According to him, community leaders, political stakeholders, and grassroots supporters embraced the development, creating expectations of an inclusive and transparent process.
Annum said subsequent events generated questions regarding the conduct, suspension, rescheduling, and eventual outcome of the governorship primary exercise.
“The Nigerian Youth Congress will not prejudge the process. However, we cannot ignore its wider implications for democratic confidence and youth participation,” he added.
He noted that young Nigerians were asking whether years of commitment to party building could be disregarded without adequate explanation from relevant authorities.
According to him, the issue was not merely about who emerged but whether the process inspired confidence, reflected fairness and strengthened democratic participation.
Annum argued that Seriki appeared to satisfy expectations under either a consensus arrangement or a direct primary process.
He said available reports suggested substantial support for the aspirant, making many young people confused about the eventual outcome of the exercise.
“The issue is whether the process inspires confidence. The issue is whether it reflects fairness and strengthens belief in democratic participation,” he stated.
The NYC president maintained that the development did not reflect the inclusive political philosophy for which President Tinubu was widely respected among young Nigerians.
He said Tinubu had built a reputation for identifying talent, nurturing leaders and creating opportunities for younger generations throughout his political career.
“We respectfully appeal to Mr President to take keen interest in the developments in Kwara. The implications extend beyond one state,” he said.
Annum stressed that the congress’ position was based on democratic principles, transparency, accountability and public confidence in political processes.
He urged APC leaders at the state and national levels to promote reconciliation, transparency and cohesion in the interest of party unity.
The NYC also appealed to President Tinubu, as national leader of the APC, to support efforts aimed at strengthening unity and confidence in party processes.
“We are confident that under President Tinubu’s leadership, every genuine concern will receive appropriate attention in the interest of party unity,” he said.
Annum reaffirmed the support of Nigerian youths for the Renewed Hope Agenda and pledged continued commitment to national development and democratic consolidation.
He urged all stakeholders to embrace dialogue, reconciliation and lawful dispute resolution while avoiding actions or statements capable of deepening divisions.
“At moments such as this, wisdom must prevail over emotion, unity over division and democratic principles over expediency,” he said.
The NYC president reiterated the organisation’s commitment to peace, democracy and youth advancement, insisting that merit, loyalty and service must continue to matter (NAN)
(www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa
