…as party leaders rally North West youths ahead of 2027
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has declared that President Bola Tinubu is firmly positioned to secure a second term in office, citing youth support, policy delivery, party growth, and data-driven mobilisation as the pillars of the ruling party’s 2027 strategy.
Yilwatda spoke in Abuja on Tuesday at the APC North West Youth Mobilisation Meet and Greet in Abuja, convened by the Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, where party leaders at the event said that, contrary to opposition narratives, tangible policy gains are restoring public confidence in the ability of the Tinubu administration to reposition Nigeria from decades of decline toward growth and stability.
Several party chieftains and government officials attended, including the Minister of State for Regional Development, Uba Maigari Ahmadu; Minister of State of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Dr. Mariya Mahmud; State of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Tanko Sununu; former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa (rtd); APC Youth Leader, Dayo Israel; and several PCC North West members led by the Director Michael Massuan, among others.
Addressing party leaders, youths, and political appointees, Yilwatda said President Tinubu’s performance and expanding grassroots support have made the APC “the largest political party in Africa,” adding that the party’s acceptance is rising nationwide.
“Every day we keep on receiving more governors. Every day we keep receiving more national assembly members. We receive market women. We receive farmers. We receive students,” he said.
He noted that young Nigerians are driving the party’s growth, stressing that “the party belongs to the young people.”
Stating that 48 percent of APC members in the North West are aged 18–35, he added, “At the national level, people between the ages of 18 and 49 form about 83 percent of our registered members. It means the young people own this party”.
Yilwatda credited key social policies for boosting public confidence, especially the student loan scheme, saying, “Almost a million young Nigerians now have access to the student loan. At the same time, we support you with N20,000 every month to support you in school, which has prevented students from dropping out due to financial hardship”.
On healthcare and welfare, he noted, “We are adding over four million people to the health insurance scheme, mostly farmers, traders and rural artisans, while digital transfers have reached six million households in just six months.”
The APC chairman also said the party’s new electronic registration system would guide targeted campaigns.
“With this, I can estimate how many votes I will have before the election starts. So far, we’ve hit over three million. We are hopeful to hit ten million,” he said.
He urged loyalty, stressing, “This party is your biggest asset. The President is our biggest asset. Let us stand by this party.”
He, however, insisted that political appointees must openly support the party, stressing, “There is no one called technocrats. Once you are given a political appointment, you are a politician”.
He praised Goronyo as a good example of a political appointee who combines governance with party mobilisation.
Goronyo, the convener of the meet-and-greet and former Director of Youth Mobilisation for the North West in 2023, said President Tinubu has demonstrated inclusive leadership. He argued that Nigerians would reward the President’s “tenacity and commitment” with broad support in 2027.
He cited major infrastructure projects, including the Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway, Lagos–Calabar Coastal Road, Trans-Sahara Highway, and the long-delayed Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano Expressway, now being executed in sections. He said the spread of the projects reflects a deliberate effort to connect regions and stimulate economic growth.
Goronyo urged members to support the ongoing registration drive and intensify mobilisation, noting that the North West delivered the largest share of votes in the last election.
He called on appointees to work as a united force to ensure President Tinubu’s re-election while assuring the youth leaders of support for the task ahead.
The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, said change requires leaders and citizens to think creatively and “outside the box,” adding that criticism of government is normal.
He said it is the duty of the ruling party to communicate its achievements.
He described the President as someone who “has the youth at heart,” saying government programmes are designed mainly for young Nigerians, citing education support, stipends, the Nigeria Youth Academy, and youth empowerment initiatives.
He added that the Ministry is working with agencies under the “Digital for All” agenda and disclosed plans to reform the NYSC to ensure participants gain skills and post-service support.
While acknowledging the sacrifices Nigerians are making, he expressed confidence that reforms would soon yield results and urged party members to defend the administration’s record.
On her part, the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, Hadiza Bala Usman, urged North West appointees to demonstrate loyalty and unity.
She said no one should hide behind claims of being a technocrat while benefiting from political appointments, adding that all appointees must actively support the President and contribute to electoral success.
She said the administration is focused on fulfilling its promises, especially in the North and North West, and called on stakeholders to stand with the President and ensure the delivery of his agenda.
The highlight of the night was the presentation of awards to deserving youth members in recognition of their dedication, commitment, and outstanding performance.
