APC Chairman Yilwatda urges Nigerian youths to defend democracy amid ongoing reforms

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has called on Nigerian youths to take a leading role in protecting and strengthening the country’s democratic system, describing them as the backbone of Nigeria’s present and future stability.

Speaking against the backdrop of ongoing national reforms under the current administration, Yilwatda urged young Nigerians—particularly those within the 25 to 55 age bracket—to actively engage in the democratic process and resist political actors he described as self-serving and intent on derailing national progress.

In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Information Strategy, Abimbola Tooki, the APC chairman said Nigeria’s democracy is currently at a critical turning point, requiring vigilance and participation from its youthful population.

“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,” he stated.

He cautioned against what he described as attempts by certain political interests to mislead citizens and undermine the reform agenda of the present administration through misinformation and personal political ambitions.

Yilwatda highlighted what he described as the APC’s strong youth inclusion, stating that over 50 percent of the party’s membership consists of young Nigerians. According to him, this reflects a deliberate strategy of generational renewal and political inclusion.

He further noted that the emergence of his leadership as the first youthful National Chairman of the party marks a significant milestone in the APC’s history.

READ ALSO: Faleke picks up N100m APC nomination forms for Tinubu ahead of 2027 race

“This development underscores the APC’s progressive orientation and its recognition of the strategic importance of youth leadership in governance and politics,” he said.

He added that placing young people in leadership positions demonstrates the party’s confidence in their capacity to shape national policy and drive reforms.

The APC chairman warned against entrusting Nigeria’s future to individuals driven by personal ambition rather than national interest, insisting that such tendencies could reverse recent economic and governance gains.

He stressed that while ongoing reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu have introduced difficult adjustments, they are necessary for long-term economic stability and national growth.

Yilwatda noted that early indicators suggest the reforms are already repositioning Nigeria for improved fiscal stability and global competitiveness. He said international institutions, including the World Bank, have acknowledged positive progress in Nigeria’s reform trajectory.

According to him, recent policy changes in foreign exchange management, subsidy removal, and investment liberalisation are beginning to restore investor confidence across key sectors such as energy, infrastructure, technology, and manufacturing.

“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,” he stated.

Yilwatda concluded by urging Nigerian youths to remain politically conscious and actively engaged, describing them as the strongest safeguard against democratic decline and instability.

He emphasised that sustained youth participation in governance, civic accountability, and political discourse remains essential to consolidating democratic gains and ensuring national development.