The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has called on Nigerian youths to take a frontline role in defending and strengthening the country’s democracy, describing them as central to Nigeria’s political stability and future development.
In a statement signed by Abimbola Tooki, Special Adviser to the APC National Chairman on Media and Information Strategy, Yilwatda urged young Nigerians, particularly those within the 25 to 55 age bracket, to actively engage in the democratic process and resist attempts by what he described as self-serving political actors seeking to derail ongoing national reforms.
He warned against misinformation and political narratives aimed at undermining the reform agenda of the current administration, stressed that Nigeria’s democracy is at a critical stage requiring vigilance and responsible civic participation.
Yilwatda noted that the APC has evolved into a youth-driven political platform, with more than half of its membership comprising young people. He described this demographic strength as a deliberate strategy aimed at promoting inclusion, leadership renewal, and national development.
He further highlighted what he described as a historic milestone in the party’s leadership structure, with the emergence of a youthful national chairman, saying it reflects the APC’s confidence in the capacity of younger Nigerians to lead and shape governance outcomes.
According to him, entrusting Nigeria’s future to individuals driven by personal political ambition without credible alternatives to existing challenges would be detrimental to national progress.
While acknowledging the initial hardships associated with ongoing economic reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Yilwatda maintained that the measures are laying the foundation for long-term economic stability, fiscal resilience, and improved global competitiveness.
He also pointed to what he described as early positive signals from international financial institutions and stakeholders, noting growing investor confidence in key sectors such as energy, infrastructure, technology, and manufacturing.
Yilwatda added that recent policy reforms, particularly in foreign exchange management and investment liberalisation, are gradually restoring confidence in Nigeria’s economy.
He concluded that an engaged and politically aware youth population remains essential to safeguarding democratic values and preventing democratic backsliding in the country.
