2027: APC youths demand more recognition, vow 10m votes

APC youths demand more recognition, vow 10 million votes for Tinubu's 2027 bid ABUJA, Young members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) have publicly demanded greater inclusion in governance and pledged to contribute 10 million votes toward President Bola Tinubu’s ambitions for a second term in 2027. Speaking during a gathering organized by the Youths on Ground Progressive and Mentorship Initiative (YOG), Dr. Obioma Nwuba, the group’s national coordinator, emphasized the need for the federal government and APC governors to recognize and collaborate with youth-led organizations as essential partners in national development. Nwuba criticized the tendency of political leaders to engage youths primarily as enforcers or passive voters, often discarding them once electoral cycles conclude. Instead, he argued, YOG is constructing a framework for meaningful youth involvement, focusing on leadership development, organization, and active participation in governance. His remarks were directed at both the presidency and state-level APC officials, urging them to acknowledge the group’s role in implementing policies at the grassroots level. He stressed that effective governance requires local action, not just decisions made in Abuja. “Hope cannot be renewed from Abuja alone,” he stated, calling for collaboration between the federal government and regional authorities. Nwuba specifically addressed President Tinubu, requesting support for YOG as a tool to advance the Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to restore national stability and prosperity. “Mr President, you have given us the vision. Give us the vehicle. YOG is that vehicle, tested, structured, and already on the ground,” he said. The group has been advocating for the integration of its programs, such as Agro-Tech and skills acquisition initiatives, with existing government efforts aimed at creating jobs and ensuring food security. Nwuba urged APC governors to incorporate YOG into their agricultural and employment strategies immediately, emphasizing that untrained youth pose a risk while trained ones represent valuable assets. He described the partnership as a necessity, not a favor, arguing that government policies succeed or fail based on how effectively they reach communities. YOG was officially launched in August 2025 as a platform dedicated to youth mobilization, mentorship, and grassroots empowerment. The initiative is grounded in the belief that Nigeria’s youth, who constitute over 70% of the population under the age of thirty, must play a central role in shaping the nation’s future. The group gained national attention in November 2025 when it hosted the South-East Youth Summit in Enugu State, marking its formal emergence as a key player in youth affairs. Nwuba outlined four core objectives for YOG: enhancing youth participation in governance and civic life, promoting policy advocacy, strengthening community-based peacebuilding, and fostering economic empowerment. According to him, these goals align with Tinubu’s broader vision for national renewal, particularly his focus on food security, job creation, and social stability. He noted that YOG is already working on the ground, supporting young farmers and developing mentorship pathways that mirror the president’s Eight-Point Agenda. Among the group’s notable achievements since its inception include the Agro-Tech Training, Mentorship, and Empowerment Programme in Jalingo, Taraba State, held in February 2026, and a public health campaign in the Federal Capital Territory targeting malaria and typhoid, which benefited over 500 individuals. These initiatives reflect YOG’s commitment to addressing pressing challenges through localized, youth-driven solutions.