The Nigerian Youth Congress (NYC) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take personal interest in the disputed All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary in Kwara State, warning that the controversy risks damaging young Nigerians’ confidence in democratic participation. Speaking at a press conference, the group’s National President, Comrade Engr. Jethro Annum, framed the dispute as a test of whether loyalty remains a virtue or has become a liability for young people in Nigerian politics.
Who is speaking out on the Kwara APC primary?
The Nigerian Youth Congress (NYC), a youth advocacy group, has broken its silence. Its National President, Comrade Engr. Jethro Annum, addressed the press. The group does not endorse candidates or take part in internal party contests. But it has a responsibility to speak when events raise concerns about youth inclusion and political fairness.
Who is at the centre of the controversy?
Ambassador Abdulfatai Yahaya Seriki Gambari, a young politician described by the NYC as a “model of constructive youth engagement.” According to the NYC, the governor’s public endorsement had created a broad consensus, with several aspirants stepping down. But questions later emerged over the conduct of the primary, its suspension and rescheduling, and the process through which the eventual winner was declared.
What is the NYC’s concern?
The issue is not simply who was declared. The issue is whether the process inspires confidence. The NYC is worried that young Nigerians watching from across the country will see the controversy and conclude that loyalty and sacrifice do not matter – only connections and manipulation.
Why is the NYC appealing to President Tinubu?
Because President Tinubu has built a reputation for identifying talent and opening political space for younger generations. The NYC believes the President should intervene to ensure that the process is transparent and fair. They are appealing to him to uphold the inclusive political philosophy he is known for.
How does the NYC frame its position?
It says its position is based on principles rather than personalities. Democracy demands legitimacy, transparency, and accountability. The group is not taking sides. It is speaking for young Nigerians who are watching and wondering whether their participation in politics will ever be rewarded.
5 key takeaways from the NYC’s intervention in the Kwara APC primary.
1. The NYC is not a political party – but it is speaking on a political issue. The group is a youth advocacy organisation. It does not endorse candidates. But it does speak on issues that affect youth participation. This is one of those issues.
2. The controversy is about more than one primary – it is about youth trust. Young Nigerians are watching. If they see that a young, loyal, and hardworking aspirant can be sidelined, they will lose faith in the political process. That is the NYC’s core concern.
3. President Tinubu is being asked to intervene personally. The NYC is not asking the party leadership – they are asking the President. They believe he has the influence and the moral authority to ensure fairness.
4. Loyalty is being tested. The NYC framed the issue as a test of whether loyalty is a virtue or a liability. If a loyal party member is abandoned, young people will learn that loyalty does not pay.
5. The group is urging dialogue, not confrontation. The NYC appealed to all parties to pursue reconciliation, transparency, and party cohesion. They are not calling for protests or violence. They are calling for lawful dispute resolution.
How this affects young Nigerians and the political process.
i. Young aspirants are watching. If the Kwara primary is handled badly, young people may decide that politics is not worth the investment. That would be a loss for democracy.
ii. The APC’s internal reputation is at stake. The party claims to be progressive. If its primary process is seen as rigged, that claim will be undermined.
iii. The President’s image as a youth-friendly leader is on the line. Tinubu has cultivated an image of opening doors for young people. If he does not intervene, that image may be damaged.
iv. The NYCs intervention may encourage other groups to speak. Youth organisations across Nigeria may now feel emboldened to speak on political issues. That could lead to more accountability – or more chaos.
v. The Kwara primary could become a national issue. What happens in Kwara will be watched across Nigeria. The outcome will affect perceptions of the APC’s internal democracy.
Advice from this analyst.
1. To President Bola Tinubu: the NYC has called on you to intervene. Your response will send a message to young Nigerians. Choose wisely.
2. To the APC leadership: ensure that the Kwara primary process is transparent. If there are irregularities, address them. Do not ignore the concerns of young aspirants.
3. To Ambassador Abdulfatai Yahaya Seriki Gambari: your case has become a symbol. Handle yourself with dignity. Do not engage in inflammatory rhetoric.
4. To the Nigerian Youth Congress: continue to speak on issues that affect youth participation. But also provide evidence. Do not rely only on sentiment.
5. To young Nigerians: watch this case carefully. It will tell you whether loyalty pays. Let that inform your future decisions.
A question to make you reflect.
If a young, loyal, and hardworking aspirant can be sidelined in a disputed primary – and the President does not intervene – what message does that send to young Nigerians considering a future in politics?
The answer is: stay out. The message will be that loyalty does not pay. That is a devastating message for a country that needs young leaders. The NYC has raised a legitimate concern. The question is whether anyone in power will listen.
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Akahi News gathered that the Nigerian Youth Congress has called on President Tinubu to intervene in the Kwara APC governorship primary. The group is concerned that the controversy could damage youth trust in democracy. They have framed the issue as a test of whether loyalty is a virtue or a liability. The President has been asked to act. Young Nigerians are watching.