The Nigerian Youth Congress (NYC) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in the controversy surrounding the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary process in Kwara State. The group warned that the development could undermine young people’s confidence in democratic participation and party politics.
The group said the concerns stem from the outcome of the primary process involving Ambassador Abdulfatai Yahaya Seriki Gambari, whom it described as a longstanding party loyalist and youth development advocate whose governorship aspiration had enjoyed widespread support before the emergence of controversy over the exercise.
The controversy followed developments in the APC governorship succession process in Kwara State. Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq had initially endorsed Ambassador Abdulfatai Yahaya Seriki for the governorship position. However, the governor later shifted his support to the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, a development which caused disquiet among some party members and supporters in the state.
Addressing a press conference in Abuja on Friday, the National President of the group, Comrade Engr. Jethro Annum, said the issues arising from the primary transcend partisan politics and raise fundamental questions about loyalty, inclusion and fairness in Nigeria’s democratic system.
According to him, many young Nigerians are questioning whether years of commitment to party building, grassroots mobilisation and political loyalty still count for anything in the country’s political landscape.
Loyalty as a Liability?
“Today, the question before Nigerian youths is bigger than Kwara State. The question is simple: when young people commit themselves to party building, demonstrate loyalty, invest years in grassroots mobilisation, support leadership through difficult moments, build bridges across communities and inspire confidence among ordinary citizens, what exactly is their reward?” he said.
“Is loyalty still a virtue in Nigerian politics? Or has loyalty become a liability?”
Annum said the youth body had watched with growing concern the events that followed the APC governorship primary process in Kwara State, stressing that its concern was “generational, democratic and institutional” rather than political.
He noted that the development had attracted national attention because of the role played by Ambassador Abdulfatai Yahaya Seriki Gambari in the political evolution of Kwara State and youth development efforts across the country.
Seriki: A Model of Youth Engagement
The NYC president described Seriki as a model of constructive youth engagement who has built businesses, empowered young people, invested in communities and remained loyal to the political structure under which he served.
“Few young political leaders in Nigeria today can point to such a long record of loyalty, restraint, service and commitment,” he stated.
According to him, when Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq publicly endorsed Seriki, many political observers believed a consensus candidacy had emerged, as several aspirants reportedly stepped down while stakeholders and grassroots supporters rallied behind him.
He said the situation later changed, leading to public questions about the conduct of the primary process, including the suspension and rescheduling of the exercise and the eventual declaration of a winner.
While maintaining that the NYC would not prejudge the process, Annum said the controversy had generated concerns among young Nigerians across the country.
Questions for Young Nigerians
“What message does this send to young Nigerians? What lesson should young people learn from this experience? Should they conclude that loyalty no longer matters? Should they conclude that sacrifice no longer matters? Should they conclude that years of commitment to party building can be set aside without adequate explanation?” he asked.
The group argued that Seriki appeared to satisfy the requirements of both consensus and direct primary arrangements, noting that he enjoyed broad support among stakeholders and reportedly commanded significant grassroots backing before the controversy emerged.
“This is precisely why so many young people remain confused about the eventual outcome. The issue is not simply who was declared. The issue is whether the process inspires confidence. The issue is whether the process reflects fairness. The issue is whether the process strengthens or weakens belief in democratic participation,” he said.
Appeal to President Tinubu
The NYC stated that the development did not reflect the democratic values and inclusive political philosophy for which President Tinubu is widely respected among young Nigerians.
Annum said Tinubu had built a reputation for identifying talent, nurturing leaders and creating opportunities for younger generations, which explains the goodwill he enjoys among youth constituencies nationwide.
“We therefore respectfully appeal to Mr President to take keen interest in the developments in Kwara State. The stakes are too high. The implications extend beyond one state,” he said.
The group also called on the APC leadership at both state and national levels to promote reconciliation, transparency and party cohesion, while urging all stakeholders to pursue dialogue and lawful dispute resolution mechanisms.
“Democracy demands legitimacy, transparency and accountability. Democracy demands confidence in process. Where questions arise, institutions must provide answers. Where concerns emerge, leadership must provide reassurance. Where divisions occur, statesmanship must provide solutions,” Annum stated.
