The Wike-backed National Youth Leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Amb. Ibrahim Bala-Aboki, has unveiled a youth skills-development initiative expected to train thousands of young Nigerians and called on youths to take a more active role in politics and democratic governance by shunning voter apathy.
Bala-Aboki made the call on Wednesday in Abuja while speaking at an event organised by his office to mark the 2026 International Youth Day at Wadata Plaza.
The event, held under the global theme, “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,” brought together PDP leaders, youth leaders, stakeholders and young members of the party.
Bala-Aboki, who enjoys the backing of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, said his office, within its first 100 days, had focused on mobilisation, inclusion, empowerment, participation and grassroots development, with the objective of giving young people a stronger voice and greater stake in the affairs of the party.
He said his office had mobilised PDP youths and female youths to participate in ward, local government and state congresses leading to the party’s National Convention held on March 29 and 30, 2026.
According to him, young people were also included in various convention committees and sub-committees.
Bala-Aboki said that since becoming the statutory National Youth Leader, his office had encouraged young party members to aspire to elective and party positions, while stakeholder engagements contributed to the emergence of several youth candidates whose names, he said, were certified by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He added that the office had also mobilised youths and female youths for the PDP and INEC e-registration exercises, which he said contributed to increased youth participation and membership registration in several states.
The PDP youth leader further disclosed that his office had organised a reception in honour of the party’s National Chairman, Hon. Abdulrahman Mohammed Takushara, as part of efforts to promote party unity and leadership engagement.
He said the office had also introduced initiatives such as a Special Award of Excellence for party dignitaries and the Annual PDP Youth Carnival to institutionalise youth recognition and participation.
Bala-Aboki listed the hosting of PDP youth leaders from the 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory and the six geopolitical zones as another milestone, saying the engagement provided a platform for consultation, coordination and direct communication among youth leaders.
He said the PDP National Youth Leadership Consultative Forum had also been inaugurated to bring together youth leaders, female youths and deputy national officers for consultation, coordination and policy dialogue.
The youth leader disclosed that the party had commenced the revalidation and fresh registration of PDP youth support groups nationwide, aimed at identifying genuine supporters and strengthening grassroots mobilisation.
He also announced the inauguration of the PDP Female Youth Wing, describing it as an initiative designed to ensure that young women were not merely participants in politics but active leaders and decision-makers.
