The National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, has called on Nigerian youths to take a frontline role in safeguarding and strengthening the nation’s democracy, describing them as a decisive force for the country’s stability and future.
Speaking against the backdrop of ongoing national reforms, Yilwatda urged young Nigerians, particularly those within the 25 to 55 age bracket, to take ownership of the democratic process and resist attempts by self-serving political actors to derail national progress.
He stressed that the call had become necessary amid what he described as recent movements by certain political interests seeking to promote narrow ambitions while misinforming citizens about the intentions and outcomes of the current administration’s reform agenda.
In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Information Strategy, Abimbola Tooki, he said: “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. We must not allow individuals who offer no credible alternatives to past challenges to mislead the people or truncate the gains already being recorded.”
Yilwatda noted that the APC has evolved into a youth-driven political movement, with over half of its membership made up of young men and women, reflecting what he described as a deliberate strategy of inclusion, generational renewal, and leadership development.
He said the emergence of a youthful figure as the party’s national chairman for the first time since its formation underscores the party’s commitment to empowering younger leaders and aligning with Nigeria’s demographic realities.
According to him, placing a young leader at the helm of the party signals confidence in the capacity and vision of the country’s younger generation, while reinforcing the idea that sustainable democracy and national development depend on their active participation in governance and reform processes.
The APC chairman warned against entrusting Nigeria’s future to individuals driven by personal ambitions, particularly those he accused of pursuing the presidency “at all cost,” cautioning that such tendencies could reverse progress and plunge the country back into uncertainty.
He acknowledged that reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu have involved difficult adjustments, but maintained that they are necessary steps toward long-term economic stability and growth.
Yilwatda said early signs indicate that the reforms are repositioning Nigeria for sustainable development, fiscal discipline, and global competitiveness.
Highlighting the advantages of Nigeria’s youthful population, he said young people bring adaptability, technological awareness, and a forward-looking mindset needed to deepen democratic values, boost civic engagement, and promote accountability.
He added that an active and politically conscious youth population remains the strongest safeguard against democratic backsliding.
The APC chairman further noted that the administration’s economic and structural reforms have attracted commendation from international institutions such as the World Bank, reflecting renewed global confidence in Nigeria’s economic direction.
He said these positive indicators are beginning to translate into increased investor interest across sectors including energy, infrastructure, technology, and manufacturing, driven by policy shifts in foreign exchange management, subsidy reforms, and investment liberalization.
“Investor confidence is gradually being restored. From renewed commitments in the oil and gas sector to growing interest in Nigeria’s digital economy and infrastructure space, the signs are clear that the country is on a path to recovery and growth,” he stated.
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