By Duchess Ifeoluwa
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, has called on Nigerian youths to take an active role in safeguarding and strengthening the country’s democracy, describing them as pivotal to national stability and future development.
Yilwatda made the call in a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Media and Information Strategy, Abimbola Tooki, amid ongoing political and economic reforms under the current administration.
He urged young Nigerians, particularly those within the 25 to 55 age bracket, to take ownership of the democratic process and resist what he described as attempts by self-serving political actors to mislead citizens and derail national progress.
“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.
The APC chairman warned against entrusting the country’s future to individuals pursuing narrow personal ambitions, noting that such tendencies could reverse gains made through ongoing reforms.
He emphasised that the ruling party remains committed to youth inclusion, stating that more than half of its membership comprises young people, reflecting a deliberate effort to promote generational renewal and leadership development.
Yilwatda also highlighted what he described as a milestone in the party’s history, noting that his emergence as national chairman represents a shift towards youth-driven leadership within the APC.
According to him, the development signals the party’s confidence in the capacity of younger Nigerians to shape policy, drive reforms and defend democratic values.
He acknowledged that reforms introduced by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu have come with challenges, but insisted they are necessary for long-term economic stability and growth.
The APC chairman said early indicators suggest that the reforms are repositioning Nigeria for sustainable development, fiscal stability and improved global competitiveness.
He added that the country’s youthful population provides a strategic advantage, citing their adaptability, technological awareness and forward-looking mindset as critical to deepening democracy and enhancing civic engagement.
Yilwatda further noted that recent economic policies have begun to restore investor confidence, with increasing interest in key sectors such as energy, infrastructure, technology and manufacturing.
He pointed to positive assessments from global institutions, including the World Bank, as evidence that Nigeria is on a path to recovery.
“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.
He maintained that a politically conscious and engaged youth population remains the strongest safeguard against democratic backsliding, urging young Nigerians to remain vigilant and actively participate in the nation’s democratic processes.
