The Coalition of Northern Youth Leaders (CNYL) has threatened to launch a political backlash if the All Progressives Congress (APC) does not present its unanimous choice for the position of vice president, who it has stipulated must be under 50 years old.
During a press conference on Monday in Abuja, the coalition’s president, Mallam Suleiman Musa, and secretary, Comr. Yahaya Ibrahim, noted that despite the administration of Muhammadu Buhari facing formidable obstacles, organised youth organisations, led by the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), remained loyal to the ruling party and supported its policies, much to the chagrin of critics and opponents.
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In addition, it stated that as part of this partnership, it established youth organisations, formed bonds with the party, and anticipated reciprocity from them, particularly in light of President Muhammadu Buhari’s repeated assurances that the youth would enjoy favourable treatment from the leadership and that their participation in governance would not be negotiable.
We are aware that keeping this promise won’t be simple, so the young people have kept up their efforts and maintained their positions in the hopes of reaching a mutually agreed-upon starting point.
After observing how other political parties managed their affairs without considering the opinions of young people, the organised youth group activated its political relationship and alignment with the APC and consequently demanded the presidential ticket. However, our formidable leader, His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, won the ticket in a democratic election that was open to all. We wholeheartedly applaud him once more and accept that result.
The youth demand, however, that a person under the age of 50 receive the vice presidential ticket. We also submitted Dr. Ibrahim Bello Dauda (also known as El Dabi) for consideration and adoption by the APC in order to prevent any choice confusion. Furthermore, there are no questions about Dr. Dauda’s qualifications or capabilities because they are flawless, he is capable, and he is prepared. The coalition expressed its hope that the APC would accede to youth demands.
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“It appears that some interests, who feel that it should have been them, are bent on jettisoning the youth partnership with the APC,” wondered CNYL. Furthermore, we dare to warn that it will have disastrous political ramifications because many youth and youth organisations may be forced to shift their allegiance.
“We have noticed as a coalition that the National Chairman is a senior citizen. We hold them in the highest regard, but our candidate is also an old man. However, we hasten to emphasise that El Dabi, a young man who just turned 50, will have a significant influence on the incoming administration.
