The Northern Youth Network (NYN) has announced plans to mobilize hundreds of young people from the 19 Northern states to attend the forthcoming 2025 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Convention holding in Ibadan, Oyo state.

In a statement signed by National Coordinator, Comrade Sulaiman Yakubu, the NYN said it has decided to take this step in a show of solidarity and political consciousness among young Nigerians.

The move, according to the group, is also a show of solidarity towards the need to rebuild the PDP ahead of the 2027 general elections, as well as to pass vote of confidence in the leadership of Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde.

The group, led by Yakubu from Bauchi State, further described Governor Makinde as a “symbol of competence, transparency, and modern leadership,” citing his administration’s remarkable achievements in infrastructure development, fiscal prudence, and youth empowerment in Oyo State.

It added that the PDP is the only party in the country which hasn’t changed name since 1999, when Nigeria made a return to democracy.

They expressed concern that some politicians, who rode on the PDP’s platform to become ministers, governors, commissioners and others in the past, are now determined to destroy the party and make Nigeria a one party state to satisfy their selfish interests.

“For democracy to thrive, there is need for strong opposition; it’s not a good thing to have a one-party system in a country as diverse as Nigeria. This is why we are drumming support for Governor Makinde and other party leaders who intend to rebuild PDP through the National Convention,” the statement read.

“PDP is the only opposition party that can challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general election, hence the need to rebuild the party. We stand with Governor Makinde and others in this struggle.”

Furthermore, the NYN also cautioned the judiciary against giving conflicting judgements that can bring confusions and undermine the country’s democracy.

The Northern Youth Network operates under the political mentorship of Hon. Shina Abiola Peller, a member of the PDP and a renowned advocate for youth inclusion in governance.

The Network’s planned presence at the Oyo convention, Yakubu said, is both a demonstration of loyalty to Hon. Peller’s ideals and an expression of confidence in Governor Makinde’s leadership capacity at the national level.

The group further reiterated its commitment to promoting national unity, inter-regional collaboration, and issue-based politics, noting that Nigeria’s future depends on leaders who understand both governance and the aspirations of its youthful population.

As preparations intensify for the 2025 PDP National Convention in Oyo State, the Northern Youth Network has urged other youth groups nationwide to rise above political apathy and participate actively in shaping the country’s democratic future.