BY JULIET EKWENUGO
Kaduna
The presidential candidate of the Action Democratic Party (ADP), Ambassador Aliyu Bin Abbas, has said Nigerian youths have waited long enough for meaningful political inclusion, urging them to take a more active role in shaping the country’s future ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Abbas stated this in a message to mark the 2026 International Youth Day, contained in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Okpani Jacob Onjewu Dickson, and made available to newsmen in Kaduna on Wednesday.
He said young Nigerians should no longer be regarded merely as voters, campaign crowds, social media warriors or political foot soldiers, but should become nation-builders, policymakers, entrepreneurs, innovators, public servants, legislators and leaders.
“Our answer is: WE HAVE WAITED LONG ENOUGH. The Nigerian youth must no longer be treated merely as voters, campaign crowds, social-media warriors or political foot soldiers.
“We must become nation-builders, policymakers, entrepreneurs, innovators, public servants, legislators and leaders. Our time has come,” he said.
The ADP candidate described “Youth O’Clock” as more than a slogan, saying it represented what he called a “divine appointment with destiny.”
According to him, Nigerian youths possess intelligence, creativity, courage, resilience and the capacity to overcome limitations.
He, however, urged young Nigerians not to surrender their future to cynicism or allow poverty, ethnic and religious divisions to undermine their ambitions.
“Do not allow desperate politicians to use your anger while they steal your future. And above all, do not believe that Nigeria is beyond redemption,” Abbas said.
He expressed optimism that the country could reclaim its place among the comity of nations, but said such a transformation would require a new generation committed to placing national interest above personal interests.
Abbas said his political mission was to create what he described as a “New Nigeria” where a person’s surname, tribe, religion, state of origin or political connection would not determine how far they could go.
“This is why our mission is simple: to birth a New Nigeria where your surname, tribe, religion, state of origin or political2027: Nigerian Youths Have Waited Long Enough, Says ADP Presidential Candidate
By Nonye Ekwenugo, Kaduna
The presidential candidate of the Action Democratic Party (ADP), Ambassador Aliyu Bin Abbas, has said Nigerian youths have waited long enough for meaningful political inclusion, urging them to take a more active role in shaping the country’s future ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Abbas stated this in a message to mark the 2026 International Youth Day, contained in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Okpani Jacob Onjewu Dickson, and made available to newsmen in Kaduna on Wednesday.
He said young Nigerians should no longer be regarded merely as voters, campaign crowds, social media warriors or political foot soldiers, but should become nation-builders, policymakers, entrepreneurs, innovators, public servants, legislators and leaders.
“Our answer is: WE HAVE WAITED LONG ENOUGH. The Nigerian youth must no longer be treated merely as voters, campaign crowds, social-media warriors or political foot soldiers.
“We must become nation-builders, policymakers, entrepreneurs, innovators, public servants, legislators and leaders. Our time has come,” he said.
The ADP candidate described “Youth O’Clock” as more than a slogan, saying it represented what he called a “divine appointment with destiny.”
According to him, Nigerian youths possess intelligence, creativity, courage, resilience and the capacity to overcome limitations.
He, however, urged young Nigerians not to surrender their future to cynicism or allow poverty, ethnic and religious divisions to undermine their ambitions.
“Do not allow desperate politicians to use your anger while they steal your future. And above all, do not believe that Nigeria is beyond redemption,” Abbas said.
He expressed optimism that the country could reclaim its place among the comity of nations, but said such a transformation would require a new generation committed to placing national interest above personal interests.
Abbas said his political mission was to create what he described as a “New Nigeria” where a person’s surname, tribe, religion, state of origin or political connection would not determine how far they could go.
“This is why our mission is simple: to birth a New Nigeria where your surname, tribe, religion, state of origin or political connection does not determine how far you can go,” he said.
He envisaged a country where a young person from Biu could aspire to lead the nation, a young woman from Imo could participate at the highest level of national decision-making, and a child born into poverty could rise to become a global champion.
Abbas also called for a society where talent, rather than political connections, is rewarded and where leadership is treated as a responsibility rather than an avenue for personal enrichment.
“My dear Nigerian youth, history is calling,” he declared. connection does not determine how far you can go,” he said.
He envisaged a country where a young person from Biu could aspire to lead the nation, a young woman from Imo could participate at the highest level of national decision-making, and a child born into poverty could rise to become a global champion.
Abbas also called for a society where talent, rather than political connections, is rewarded and where leadership is treated as a responsibility rather than an avenue for personal enrichment.
“My dear Nigerian youth, history is calling,” he declared.
