Nigeria: Youth Party Unveils New Leadership

The Youth Party has elected new national leaders and unveiled ambitious plans for the 2027 general elections following its National Convention in Abuja on Saturday.

The event, attended by delegates from across the country, marked a key milestone for the party as it aimed to solidify its grassroots support and reposition itself for the next electoral cycle.

A major outcome was the ratification of ward, local government, and state congresses in 26 states, along with the approval of decisions made earlier by the National Executive Committee (NEC).

Delegates elected a new NEC, with Abdulrahman Abubakar from Niger State as the new National Chairman and Sadiq Abu from Ogun State as Deputy National Chairman. Other officials include Sope Durodola from Oyo State as National Financial Secretary, Helen Adoh from Kogi State as National Secretary, and Mujaheed Ahmad, Yahaya Maibe, and Adeolu Dara as National Executive Officers I, II, and III.

In his acceptance speech, Abubakar committed to strengthening internal democracy and maintaining transparency, accountability, and issue-based politics.

He reaffirmed support for the "One Member, One Vote" principle and called for equal access to education, healthcare, and housing for Nigerians.

The National Chairman described the journey as "a marathon and not a sprint," while also identifying visibility, financing, communication, mobilisation, and internal discipline as key challenges.

He outlined five priorities: credible primaries, reviewing the constitution and manifesto, enforcing discipline, reassessing performance benchmarks, and securing at least 10 legislative seats in 2027.

"I intend to lead as first among equals. I cannot clap with one hand," he stated.

The convention received praise for its transparency and inclusiveness, with observers noting that the event demonstrated that youth-led politics in Nigeria could be organised and democratic.

The party's Director of Communications, Solomon Oyekunle, called the convention a defining moment. "Today was not just a convention; it was a covenant, every officer sworn in today carries the hopes of millions of Nigerians long excluded from politics."

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