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By Sunday Ani
The Amir and National Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria, Alatoye Abdulazeez, has urged Nigerian youths to unite politically and strategically behind Prince Adewole Adebayo as a potential leader capable of driving national transformation if given collective support.
Speaking during an interview, he emphasized that Nigeria’s progress hinges largely on the ability of the young people to organise themselves beyond tribal, religious and financial inducements, and to rally behind credible leadership.
According to him, while several young candidates have emerged in past elections, their failure to build strong alliances allowed older political forces to maintain dominance. He noted that the case of Adebayo, a lawyer and businessman who contested under the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in 2023, presents an opportunity for a different political direction if youths can act in unity.
“If the younger generation is sure that Adewole Adebayo can deliver, they should team up with him, get things right and encourage other youths across tribes to see themselves as one,” he said.
He stressed that Nigeria is currently at a storming stage of nationhood, where divisions along ethnic and regional lines continue to hinder development. He warned that unless a national norm was established, where citizens prioritize unity over sectional interests, the country may struggle to reach its full potential.
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The cleric further advised youths to avoid electoral inducement and reject divisive politics, urging them instead to focus on long-term nation-building. “We must move from where we are to the next stage. Otherwise, we will keep moving in the same direction,” he added.
Beyond politics, he reiterated the Ahmadiyya motto, “Love for All, Hatred for None,” as a guiding principle for national cohesion, stressing that religion should be a force for peace rather than division. He condemned terrorism and violence carried out in the name of religion, insisting that such acts contradict Islamic teachings.
On governance, he acknowledged efforts by President Bola Tinubu, noting that while progress had been made in some areas, more attention is needed in critical sectors such as power and economic management.
He called for collective responsibility among citizens, particularly the youth, to reshape Nigeria’s future through unity, moral discipline and active participation in governance.
“Leadership is not just about those in office. It is also about those who choose them,” he said
