The National Youth Leader of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Ismaeel Ahmed says it is time for the youth to take active role in governance if Nigeria’s democracy is to survive.
Ahmed said this at the Party’s National Secrerariat in Abuja during a press conference to explain the resolutions reached at just concluded Progressive Youth Conference of the party.
He said the APC especially as a progressive movement has come of age, and it is opening its doors to every young person in the country. He said the communique from the youth conference, if carefully considered and implemented will deliver for party in 2023, 2027 and beyond just as it did in 2015 and 2019.
A copy of the communique which was made available to CAPITAL POST read:
“The party should fix the age of 35 or below for all counsellorship seats to be contested for under the party, except where such person does not exist or does not have the requisite qualification.
“Young people under the age of 45 should be encouraged and supported by the party to hold Chairmanship seats at the Local Government Council level in all the states of the federation
“The State Houses of Assembly seats should be pegged at 45 as well to infuse energy and direction at the state legislature.
“At the arty level young men and women should be encouraged and be given preference to run for every office especially those of deputies should be set aside for youths and women only, perhaps with the exception of the Office of Deputy Chairmen which shall be opened to everyone.
“There should be a directorate of Information Technology who
shall always facilitate technological advancement in the
activities of the party.
“Mandate the appointment of at least one youth representative
at the Board and Management Team of All MDAs in both the
Federal and State Governments.
“Membership of both standing and adhoc committees of the
party at all levels shall be composed of at least 2 members who shall be persons not more than 45 years.
“Create a directorate of youth affairs headed by a person not
more than 40 years as director, who shall be responsible for
the organisation of the activities of youth in the party.
“Reduce the price of nomination forms for young people below the age 40 to at least 70% of the amount stated.
“The party set-up a Progressives Institute for the training and nurturing of progressives leaders. The Progressives Institute shall have a Progressive Book Guide for all appointees and elected progressive leaders to be immersed into the ideas, ethos and expectations of the progressives.
“All elected office holders joining/defecting to the APC shall be mandated to undergo a progressive’s induction which would be anchored right from the ward, LG, state and then a mandatory visit to the National Secretariat”.
Barr Ahmed said the young progressive app will be soon be unveiled to enable young people access what the government is doing at any point in time for the benefit of the masses.
The Youth leader further stressed the need for constant engagement between the leadership of the party and its members noting that it will solve a lot of problem, reduce tension and provide opportunity for youth inclusion.
While admonishing young party members to have a staying power if they will be able to make any impact in leadership, the APC youth leader urged progressive government at all levels to embark on common developmental projects to show the character of APC as a forward looking party.
