Yilwatda Rallies Nigerian Youths to Defend Democracy, Warns Against Political Disruption
By Onwe Wisdom, Pan Afric Reporters
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, has called on Nigerian youths to take a frontline role in safeguarding the nation’s democracy, warning against attempts by “self-serving political actors” to undermine ongoing reforms and national stability.
The statement, issued by the Office of the APC National Chairman and signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Information Strategy, Abimbola Tooki, urged young Nigerians to actively engage in the democratic process and resist misinformation capable of derailing the country’s progress.
Speaking amid what he described as a “defining moment” in Nigeria’s democratic journey, Yilwatda stressed that the responsibility of sustaining and strengthening democratic institutions rests heavily on the youth 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 said.
He warned that certain political interests were promoting narrow ambitions while misleading citizens about the intentions and outcomes of reforms being implemented under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to him, allowing such elements to shape the nation’s future could reverse gains already recorded and plunge the country into instability.
Yilwatda highlighted the APC’s demographic structure, noting that more than 50 percent of its membership comprises young people—a reflection, he said, of the party’s commitment to inclusion and generational renewal.
He described his emergence as National Chairman as a “historic milestone” that underscores the party’s confidence in youth leadership.
“By elevating a young leader to its highest administrative office, the APC has sent a strong signal about its belief in the capacity and dynamism of Nigeria’s younger generation,” he stated.
While acknowledging that ongoing economic reforms have required difficult adjustments, Yilwatda maintained that they are essential for long-term prosperity and national growth.
He pointed to positive signals from global institutions, including the World Bank, as evidence of growing confidence in Nigeria’s economic direction.
“Investor confidence is gradually being restored… the signs are clear that the country is on a path to recovery and growth,” he added.
The APC chairman further emphasized the strategic importance of youth participation in governance, noting that their adaptability, technological awareness, and forward-thinking mindset are critical to deepening democratic values and ensuring accountability.
He urged young Nigerians to remain vigilant, politically conscious, and actively engaged, describing them as the “strongest guarantee” against democratic backsliding.
The statement concluded with a call for unity and sustained commitment to democratic ideals, as Nigeria continues to navigate reforms aimed at economic stability and national development.
