The National Youth Alliance (NYA) has issued a strong statement of no confidence in Nigeria’s political leadership, accusing them of putting personal interests ahead of the nation’s welfare. Comprising young people from various political backgrounds, the alliance argues that Nigeria’s political system is fundamentally broken and requires urgent reform.
Ambassador Aliyu Bin Abbas, the National Chairman of the NYA, made these comments at the Southern Youth Summit in Asaba, Delta State, during a press briefing centered on the summit’s theme, “Birthing a New Nigeria.” Abbas emphasized that the country’s political leadership, irrespective of party affiliation, has failed the nation and can no longer be trusted to steer its future.
Frustration with Political Leadership
Abbas expressed deep frustration with Nigeria’s political leaders, noting that the public is no longer willing to tolerate those who prioritize personal gain over the common good. “We are not against governments or the individuals in power, but we are against the system.
Nigeria is not working,” he stated. According to him, the NYA is made up of youths from across different political parties—PDP, APC, Labour Party, APGA, NNPP, and PRP—who have all lost confidence in the current leadership.
“We are not just dissatisfied; we are angry and disillusioned,” Abbas added. “Nigeria is bleeding, sinking, and disintegrating. This was never the vision of our founding fathers.”
He called on citizens to unite for a renewed Nigeria, criticizing the current leadership for selfishly holding the nation hostage to personal interests. “Our leaders have forgotten the sacrifices made by those who fought for the creation of Nigeria,” he said.
The Youth’s Turn in 2027
Looking ahead, Abbas declared that 2027 will mark a turning point for Nigeria’s youth, as they will take on the responsibility of leading the country. “2027 is youth o’clock,” he declared, signaling that it will be the time for young people to take control of Nigeria’s political future.
He clarified that the NYA is not aligned with any government, nor is it an anti-government movement. Rather, it is a neutral, non-partisan platform focused on uniting young Nigerians from all political affiliations to build a better nation. “We are law-abiding citizens,” Abbas stated, “but we are deeply concerned about the future of this country.
Nigeria is full of untapped potential, but it has been stifled by self-serving leaders.”
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A Call for National Dialogue
Abbas also criticized the current electoral system, particularly the office of the president, calling it undemocratic. He pointed out that it is unreasonable for a nation of over 250 million people to be governed by a president who was elected with fewer than nine million votes.
Describing the process as more of an “appointment” than a legitimate election, he urged the government to open a national dialogue to address the deep-rooted issues facing the country. “Nigeria is sitting on a time bomb,” he warned, “and we must act now to prevent a crisis.”
Empowering Youth to Lead
In support of Abbas’ remarks, Osinachi Mbaoma, the NYA’s Deputy National Chairman for the South, called on Nigerian youth to take control of their country’s future. He urged young people not to be discouraged by the results of the 2023 general elections, but to rise and assert their power in the elections to come.
“Youths must not allow themselves to be misled by politicians any longer,” Mbaoma urged. “We cannot afford to leave the political stage to those who have shown little regard for the welfare of the masses.
If we do, we risk surrendering the country to those who are eager to reclaim power without facing any real opposition.”
The NYA, a youth movement open to Nigerians aged 60 and below, offers a neutral platform with a clear message: the time for change is now. It is up to the youth of Nigeria to step forward and lead the charge for a brighter, more promising future.