The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, has called on Nigerian youths to take an active role in safeguarding the country’s democracy, stressing that the future of the nation depends largely on their participation and commitment.
Yilwatda made the appeal on Tuesday in a statement issued through his media aide, Abimbola Tooki, where he emphasised the critical role young people play in strengthening democratic institutions and ensuring political stability in Nigeria.
According to the APC chairman, Nigeria is currently at a crucial point in its democratic journey, requiring increased vigilance, engagement, and responsibility from its youthful population. He noted that young Nigerians possess the energy, creativity, and drive needed to defend democratic values and push the country toward sustainable development.
“Nigeria’s democracy is at a defining moment,” Yilwatda was quoted as saying. “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.”
He urged youths across the country to rise to the challenge by becoming more involved in governance, political discourse, and civic activities. According to him, active participation is essential not only for protecting democratic gains but also for shaping policies that reflect the aspirations of the younger generation.
Yilwatda also addressed ongoing policy reforms across various sectors of the economy, noting that such reforms require the support and understanding of the population, particularly those within the active demographic bracket. He identified Nigerians between the ages of 25 and 55 as a key group that must take ownership of the democratic process.
He stressed that this segment of the population represents a vital force in nation-building and should be encouraged to engage constructively in political and economic development.
In addition, the APC chairman issued a caution against individuals and political actors who, according to him, lack credible solutions to Nigeria’s longstanding challenges. He warned that such figures should not be allowed to influence governance or mislead the public.
“We must not allow individuals who offer no credible alternatives to past challenges to mislead the people or truncate the gains already being recorded,” he said.
The statement further highlighted the ruling party’s commitment to youth inclusion, with Yilwatda noting that over half of the APC’s membership consists of young men and women. He described this as a deliberate strategy aimed at fostering generational renewal and ensuring that emerging leaders are given opportunities to contribute meaningfully to national development.
According to him, the APC is actively promoting a youth-driven political movement that prioritises inclusiveness and leadership development. He added that empowering young people within the party structure is essential for building a resilient and forward-looking political system.
Political analysts say Yilwatda’s remarks reflect a broader recognition among Nigerian leaders of the importance of youth participation in governance, especially as the country continues to grapple with economic challenges, security concerns, and demands for institutional reforms.
Nigeria has one of the largest youth populations in the world, making their engagement in politics a critical factor in determining the direction of the nation’s democracy. However, experts note that barriers such as limited access to resources, political structures dominated by older elites, and voter apathy have historically constrained youth participation.
Yilwatda’s call is therefore seen as both a rallying message and a strategic political statement, aimed at mobilising young Nigerians to play a more prominent role in shaping the country’s future.
As Nigeria continues to navigate its democratic evolution, the emphasis on youth involvement is expected to remain a key theme in political discourse, particularly as parties begin to position themselves ahead of future elections.
For now, the APC leadership maintains that strengthening democracy requires collective effort, with young Nigerians at the centre of efforts to sustain and build upon the country’s democratic gains.
