The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has called on Nigerian youths to take the lead in safeguarding the nation’s democracy.
Speaking through his Special Adviser on Media and Information Strategy, Abimbola Tooki, the APC Chairman described young Nigerians as the critical force for sustaining the country’s stability and progress.
Yilwatda urged young Nigerians, particularly those between 25 and 55 years old, to take ownership of the democratic process.
“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,” Yilwatda said.
He warned against allowing self-serving political actors to mislead citizens or derail the current administration’s reform agenda.
The APC Chairman noted that certain political interests across the country are promoting narrow personal ambitions while misinforming citizens about government reforms.
“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 stated.
He cautioned that entrusting Nigeria’s future to such elements pursuing personal presidential ambitions would be a costly mistake.
“This could reverse hard-earned progress and return the country to periods of uncertainty and stagnation,” Yilwatda warned.
The APC stands as a truly youth-driven political movement. Over 50 percent of the party’s membership comprises young men and women.
This demographic strength reflects the party’s deliberate commitment to inclusion, generational renewal, and the empowerment of emerging leaders.
The party has made a historic decision by entrusting its national leadership to Professor Yilwatda, a youthful figure. This is the first time since the party’s formation that such a position has been given to a young leader.
“By elevating a young leader to its highest administrative office, the APC has not only broken new ground but has also sent a powerful signal about its confidence in the capacity, vision, and dynamism of Nigeria’s younger generation,” Yilwatda explained.
He noted that this reflects the party’s belief that sustainable democracy and national development are best secured when young people are central actors in shaping policy and driving reforms.
This youthful dominance positions the APC as a forward-looking institution, aligned with Nigeria’s demographic realities.
Young people bring adaptability, technological awareness, and a forward-looking mindset. These qualities are essential for deepening democratic values and enhancing civic participation.
“A politically conscious and engaged youth population remains the strongest guarantee against democratic backsliding,” Yilwatda said.
The APC Chairman acknowledged that ongoing reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu have brought difficult adjustments. However, he stressed these measures are necessary foundations for long-term prosperity.
“Early indicators show the reforms are already repositioning Nigeria for sustainable growth, fiscal stability, and global competitiveness,” he noted.
The administration’s economic and structural reforms have received commendation from the World Bank and other respected international bodies.
These positive signals have translated into increased investor interest across key sectors. Energy, infrastructure, technology, and manufacturing are seeing renewed activity.
Recent policy shifts in foreign exchange management, subsidy reforms, and investment liberalization have made Nigeria more attractive to investors.
“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,” Yilwatda stated.
