The Nigerian Youth Congress (NYC) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take personal interest in the disputed All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary in Kwara State, warning that the controversy risks damaging young Nigerians’ confidence in democratic participation.
Speaking at a press conference, the group’s National President, Comrade Engr. Jethro Annum, said the developments surrounding the primary raised questions that extended far beyond Kwara and touched on the place of loyalty, sacrifice and merit in the country’s politics. He framed the dispute as a test of whether loyalty remains a virtue or has become a liability for young people in Nigerian politics.
The NYC stressed that it is not a political party and does not endorse candidates or take part in internal party contests. Even so, Annum said the group had a responsibility to speak whenever events raised concerns about youth inclusion and political fairness.
At the centre of the controversy is Ambassador Abdulfatai Yahaya Seriki Gambari, whom Annum described as a model of constructive youth engagement with a long record of loyalty and grassroots service.
According to the NYC, the governor’s public endorsement of Yahaya Seriki had appeared to produce a broad consensus, with several aspirants stepping down and stakeholders aligning behind his candidacy.
Annum said questions later emerged over the conduct of the primary, its suspension and rescheduling, and the process through which the eventual winner was declared. He said the group would not prejudge those processes but could not ignore their wider implications for young Nigerians watching from across the country.
“The issue is not simply who was declared,” he said. “The issue is whether the process inspires confidence.”
The NYC argued that Yahaya Seriki appeared to satisfy the requirements of either pathway under consideration. If consensus was the preferred route, the group said, no aspirant enjoyed broader organic support. If a direct primary was preferred, it said reports from across the state had indicated substantial backing for him before the controversy emerged.
Annum said the episode did not reflect the inclusive political philosophy associated with President Tinubu, who he said had built a reputation for identifying talent and opening political space for younger generations.
The group appealed to APC leadership at both state and national levels to pursue reconciliation, transparency and party cohesion, and urged all parties to rely on dialogue and lawful dispute resolution mechanisms while avoiding inflammatory rhetoric capable of deepening divisions.
The NYC said its position was based on principles rather than personalities, insisting that democracy demanded legitimacy, transparency and accountability.
It reaffirmed the support of Nigerian youths for the Renewed Hope Agenda and expressed confidence that genuine concerns would receive appropriate attention under the President’s leadership.
