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From Adesuwa Tsan, Abuja
Youth and gender advocate and Director General of the Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre (CTLC), Rinsola Abiola, has called on governors and other leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to deliberately support youth and women’s leadership, saying it is critical to securing the future of the ruling party.
Abiola made the call in a message shared on her social media platforms, where she also urged young Nigerians to take advantage of the ongoing APC membership registration and revalidation exercise to formally join and actively participate in the party.
She commended President Bola Tinubu for appointing several young Nigerians to public offices, noting that the gesture demonstrated a clear commitment to youth inclusion. According to her, meaningful national development can only be achieved when young people are fully involved in the political process.
“Politics is not a spectator sport, and governance is not an abstract concept. It is the vehicle through which we determine the quality of our lives,” Abiola said.
“For years, young Nigerians have advocated for a seat at the table, and under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, that table is being expanded with the appointment of several young people into positions of authority. However, seats can only be occupied by those who are present.”
She urged young Nigerians who align with the ideals of the APC to register at their respective wards, stressing that numerical strength is essential for sustained youth inclusion and influence within the party.
“I hereby urge every young Nigerian who identifies with the APC and believes in a progressive, prosperous Nigeria to go to their ward and register to join the party. Sustained youth inclusion requires coalition building, and it is through our numbers that we will shape the affairs of our party and impact the course of national development.”
Addressing young members of the party, Abiola encouraged them to revalidate their membership during the ongoing exercise, describing it as a crucial step in remaining relevant and eligible to participate in party activities.
She also placed special emphasis on the involvement of young women, describing their participation as essential to closing the gender gap in political leadership across the country.
“To the Young Progressives, the ongoing registration exercise presents an opportunity to revalidate your membership of the APC.
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“And to my sisters, young women who identify with the APC across the country: I have always maintained that ‘young women are youths, too’.”
According to her, young women occupy a unique position that combines two critical demographics in Nigerian politics. “We stand at the intersection of two vital demographics – women and youths – and our perspectives are indispensable,” Abiola stated.
“Do not wait for an invitation to lead; this is your chance to actively contribute towards bridging the gap in women’s representation in political leadership in Nigeria.”
She further encouraged young party members to contest for leadership positions during the forthcoming party congresses, describing the process as an opportunity for growth, exposure, and future advancement, even if immediate success is not achieved.
“To our young party stalwarts who wish to serve through various leadership positions: the upcoming congresses represent a golden opportunity. I encourage you to not only participate as party members and supporters of different aspirants, but to also vie for party leadership positions at varying levels.”
Going further, she advised aspiring youth leaders to engage relevant stakeholders, elders, and party leaders, while clearly articulating their vision and demonstrating capacity for leadership.
“Reach out to the relevant stakeholders, elders and leaders in your various states. Articulate your vision, demonstrate your capacity, and seek their mentorship and support.
“Leadership is earned through strategic engagement, and signifying interest could also help greatly with securing opportunities in future.”
“To our governors and party leaders, we are grateful for the President’s unwavering commitment to youth inclusion and his clearly stated desire to see women better represented in the party’s leadership.
“To actualise this vision, we look to you to serve as the catalysts for this change by supporting youth and women candidates. By empowering young, competent and dedicated members, we are securing the future of the APC.”
