… Say Minister will unlock youth votes for APC

The Forum of 37 All Progressives Congress (APC) State Youth Leaders has hailed the appointment of the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, as Director of Youth Mobilization for the Presidential Campaign Council ahead of the 2027 general elections.

While describing the decision as strategic and well-deserved, the forum maintained that the move will consolidate youth support within the APC’s national structure by giving the campaign access to a vast network of young political operatives across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

In a statement, the forum also congratulated Senator Abdul’Zaziz Yari on his appointment as Director-General of the Presidential Campaign Council, describing both appointments as timely.

The statement was signed by the Chairman of the Forum of 37 APC State Youth Leaders, Comrade. Zaka Nehemiah, who conveyed the collective position of youth leaders from all states and the FCT.

According to the forum, Olawande’s appointment as a former youth leader in the state has equipped him with a strong understanding of grassroots mobilization, youth engagement, and political coordination.

Nehemiah maintained that the appointment further signposts the importance of young people in the political process and reflects a commitment to giving youth leaders a meaningful role in the mobilization and coordination of the 2027 campaign.

“We have examined the credentials and track record of Hon. Ayodele Olawande, and we are convinced that he possesses the requisite experience, grassroots connectivity, and mobilization skills to effectively rally young Nigerians behind the party’s vision.”

The forum, which disclosed that it has a structure comprising more than 19,533 youth leaders across 17,802 wards, 1,548 Local Government Areas, 109 Senatorial Districts, the 36 states, and the Federal Capital Territory, pledged its full support and cooperation with Ayodele in the discharge of his responsibilities.

It assured that its members would deploy their grassroots structures and networks towards effective youth mobilization and the broader objectives of the Presidential Campaign Council, ensuring that no ward or local government is left out of the campaign’s outreach efforts.

The forum expressed confidence that the combination of Senator Yari’s leadership and Ayodele’s youth mobilization experience would contribute significantly to a well-coordinated, inclusive, and victory-oriented campaign ahead of the 2027 elections.

While emphasizing that “Renewed Hope is Assured,” the forum reiterated the youth leaders’ unwavering commitment to the party’s success and the realization of the administration’s policy agenda through the coming electoral cycle.