Youth Party Holds Historic National Convention In Abuja, Elects New National Officials

0

The Youth Party’s National Convention held on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at Wetland Hotel, Abuja, marked a defining moment for the young but rapidly growing political movement, as delegates from across the federation gathered to elect a new national leadership, ratify grassroots congresses, and chart a course for the party’s next phase.

The convention formally ratified ward, local government and state congresses conducted across 26 states, underscoring the party’s expanding grassroots presence. Delegates also approved decisions taken by the National Executive Committee since the last convention and witnessed the swearing-in of new executives.

The highlight of the gathering was the election and inauguration of a new National Executive Committee. Mr. Abdulrahman Abubakar of Niger State emerged as National Chair, while Mr. Sadiq Abu of Ogun State was elected Deputy National Chair. Other elected officers include Mr. Sope Durodola of Oyo State as National Financial Secretary, Mrs. Helen Adoh of Kogi State as National Secretary, and Mallam Mujaheed Ahmad of Bauchi State, Mr. Yahaya Maibe of Borno State, and Mr. Adeolu Dara of Kwara State as National Executive Officers I, II and III respectively.

In his acceptance speech, Abubakar struck a tone that blended gratitude with pragmatism.

“I am humbled by my election to serve as the substantive Chair of our great party,” he said, while reiterating the party’s commitment to accountability, transparency, and a politics of reason and reform free from ethnic and religious considerations.

He reaffirmed the party’s dedication to its One Member, One Vote (OMOV) principle and its vision of equitable access to education, healthcare and housing for all Nigerians, reminding delegates that “it’s a marathon and not a sprint.”

The new National Chair also spoke candidly about the challenges confronting the party, identifying visibility, finance, communication, mobilisation and discipline as areas requiring urgent attention. He pledged that the new leadership would focus on conducting free and fair primaries, reviewing the party’s constitution and manifesto, assessing Board of Trustees-set key performance indicators, strengthening internal discipline, and pursuing an ambitious target of securing at least 10 legislative seats in the 2027 general elections.

“I intend to lead as first among equals. I cannot clap with one hand,” he said.

Delegates and observers expressed optimism about the outcome of the convention.

“This convention showed that youth-led democracy can be organised, transparent and geographically inclusive,” an independent observer noted, while a delegate from Gombe State described the ratification exercise as “democracy in its truest form.”

The election of Mrs. Helen Adoh as National Secretary drew a standing ovation from women delegates across the hall.

Solomon Oyekunle, the party’s Director of Communications, captured the mood of the event, saying: “Today was not a convention, it was a covenant. Every officer sworn in today carries the weight of millions of Nigerians who were told that politics is not for them. We exist to prove otherwise.”

The convention ended in the early evening with a renewed sense of purpose, leaving behind a party that appeared re-energised, restructured and recommitted to its founding mission.