APC youth group calls for unity, warns against divisions before 2027 elections

A support group, the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Young Stakeholders Forum, has urged party youth members to respect internal processes. They should avoid actions that could create divisions as the 2027 general elections approach.

This call came after the party’s National Youth Leader, Dayo Israel, faced public criticism for a video he posted and later deleted. The video showed seven new Toyota Land Cruiser Prado SUVs said to be given to youth leaders for campaign work. This situation raised questions about the resources used for political mobilization.

The wife of the president, Remi Tinubu, also confirmed the provision of utility vehicles for APC youth leaders. She mentioned that these vehicles came with campaign materials and footwear.

At a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, Shehu Attah, the forum’s National Publicity Secretary, expressed the group’s support for Mr. Israel. He urged party youths to focus on gathering support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election instead of fighting among themselves.

Attah said internal disagreements should be settled through the party’s established channels. He warned against factional moves or attempts to create alternative power centers.

He emphasized that the youth wing must unite and concentrate on supporting Mr. Tinubu’s re-election. He said, “We call on all young people in the APC to close ranks and unite behind the National Youth Leader. The need to de-escalate tensions, respect the party’s internal processes, and refrain from actions that could deepen divisions cannot be overemphasised as we head into the thick of the campaign season.”

Attah added, “The focus should be on uniting to deliver Mr. President’s re-election, not internal warfare!”

The forum cautioned that personal ambitions and disagreements should not weaken the party’s recognized structures, especially the office of the National Youth Leader. Attah acknowledged that disagreements are common in large political groups like the APC. He argued that managing these disagreements through proper procedures is vital for keeping unity.

He urged members to take disputes to the right party authorities. He warned against any statements or actions that could cause doubts about the youth leadership’s legitimacy.

The forum did not name those it believed were trying to undermine Mr. Israel’s position. They passed a vote of confidence in Mr. Israel, calling his office a key link between the party’s leadership and its young members.

Attah mentioned that the youth leader has launched initiatives to engage and support young party members. This includes the APC Youth House, the Nest Resource Centre, and the Renewed Hope Conversations programme in colleges.

He also noted that over 100 party youths and leaders have benefited from overseas training and programs in the last two years. The forum praised Mr. Israel for helping provide campaign vehicles for selected youth leaders and for earlier distributing buses to other party members.

Attah stated that these initiatives have boosted morale within the youth wing. He said they show efforts to meet demands for better recognition and rewards for party members.

He warned that attempts to weaken youth leadership through factional disputes could drive away young Nigerians who want to be part of the party. The forum called on all parties involved to respect the APC’s internal processes. They should allow the recognized structures to operate without interference as preparations for the 2027 elections move forward.