* Unveils youth centre in Abuja
The All Progressives Congress (APC) Youth Wing has thrown down the gauntlet ahead of the 2027 general elections, declaring itself stronger, more prepared, and more connected to everyday Nigerians than ever before.
In a bold statement, the youth leader the ruling party, Israel Dayo, dismissed supporters of Peter Obi — popularly known as the “Obidients” — and those of any opposition party, as no match for the APC youth structure.
“We’re not scared of anybody. We say to them, bring it on. Obidients are no match for us. We are ready to show Nigerians what our party, and especially our president, has achieved. The youth of APC are standing gidi-gba — strong, firm, and focused”, the youth leader said during a press briefing in Abuja where he unveiled to journalists a resource centre for APC youth members.
Positioning the youth wing as a rising force in the political space, the APC leader emphasized the group’s strategic vision ahead of the next election cycle, saying that the youth wing now rivals the infrastructure of some opposition parties’ national secretariats.
“There’s no institution rising as fast as the APC national youth wing. This place where you’re sitting today is a testament to our growth. We’re not just talking — we’re building,” he said.
But beyond political bravado, the youth leader stressed the importance of reconnecting politics with the people, calling for meaningful interaction between policymakers and ordinary Nigerians.
“This is the real rebranding. The APC — particularly through its youth wing — wants to bridge that gap. We want to show that we care about your business, your life, your future,” he said. “We may not have the funding or the resources right now, but we have the will. And with our new national chairman, who is youth-centric and passionate, we’re hopeful.”
The APC youth wing’s growing confidence reflects a larger strategy within the ruling party to mobilize younger voters, particularly in light of the significant youth support seen by opposition figures in the 2023 elections.
The new APC youth resource centre in the centre of the federal capital houses multimedia station, podcast station, mini-sports facilities and data collating functions.
According to Dayo: “We have realised that we have a lot of work to do to increase the appeal of our party to the younger generation. And that is one of the reasons why we have had to set up this Youth Resource Centre so that we can begin to engage the younger generation, widely, through things that have interest to them.
“From our programmes on campuses, our various events, our activities, and things that would have direct impact to complement the effort of the president.”
