National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. NentaweYilwatda, has charged Nigerian youths to take up the responsibility of safeguarding and strengthening the country’s democracy, describing them as pivotal to sustaining national stability.

Speaking against the backdrop of ongoing reforms, Yilwatda called on young Nigerians, particularly those within the 25-55 age bracket, to take ownership of the democratic process and resist attempts by self-serving political actors to derail the nation’s progress.

He said the appeal has become necessary amid what he described as recent manoeuvres by certain political interests seeking to advance narrow ambitions while allegedly misinforming citizens about the intentions and outcomes of the current administration’s reform agenda.

In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Information Strategy, Abimbola Tooki, the APC boss said: “Nigeria’s democracy is at a defining moment.”

The responsibility to defend and consolidate it rests heavily on our youths, who possess the energy, innovation and patriotic zeal required to move the nation forward. We must not allow individuals who offer no credible alternatives to mislead the people or truncate the gains already being recorded.”

He said the ruling party has evolved into a youth-driven political platform, with over half of its membership comprising young people, a development he said reflects APC’s commitment to inclusion, generational renewal and leadership development.

Yilwatda added that the party’s decision to entrust its national leadership to a younger figure underscores its progressive outlook and recognition of the strategic importance of youth participation in governance.

He acknowledged that ongoing reforms under President Bola Tinubu have come with short-term difficulties, but maintained that they are necessary for long-term economic stability and growth.