National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Nentawe Yilwatda, on Tuesday called on Nigerian youths to defend the nation’s democracy, saying young people must rise to the challenge of strengthening democratic governance across the country.
Yilwatda said ongoing policy reforms across key sectors of the economy require the active participation of young Nigerians, describing them as a critical force in nation-building, stability and national progress.
He stressed that citizens within the active demographic bracket of 25 to 55 years must understand the importance of taking ownership of Nigeria’s democratic process and shaping the country’s future through constructive engagement.
According to a statement signed by his media aide, Abimbola Tooki, Yilwatda said, “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 also cautioned against allowing individuals and politicians without credible ideas or solutions to gain access to positions of authority.
“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 APC chairman further said the ruling party remains committed to a youth-driven political movement, noting that more than 50 per cent of its membership consists of young men and women.
He explained that the party’s emphasis on youth participation is a deliberate strategy aimed at promoting inclusion, generational renewal and the empowerment of emerging leaders.
His remarks come amid growing national conversations on youth participation in governance, democratic accountability and the role of younger generations in shaping Nigeria’s political future.
