The Nigerian Youth Congress (NYC) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in the ongoing dispute over the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary in Kwara State, warning that the controversy could erode young Nigerians’ faith in democratic processes.
Speaking during a press conference on Friday, June 19, 2026, the NYC National President, Comrade Engr. Jethro Annum, described the developments in Kwara as a national test case for the values of loyalty, sacrifice, and merit in Nigerian politics.
“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,” Annum said.
He described the dispute as a critical examination of whether loyalty remains a virtue or has become a liability for young people seeking to participate meaningfully in politics.
The NYC emphasised that it is not a political party, does not endorse candidates, and does not interfere in internal party affairs.
However, the group said it has a duty to speak out when issues threaten youth inclusion and political fairness.
At the heart of the controversy is Ambassador Abdulfatai Yahaya Seriki Gambari, whom the NYC described as a model of constructive youth engagement, citing his long record of loyalty and grassroots service to the party.
According to Annum, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s public endorsement of Yahaya Seriki had generated what appeared to be a broad consensus, with several aspirants stepping down and key stakeholders aligning behind his candidacy.
The NYC said it would not prejudge the technicalities of the internal processes but could not ignore their potential impact on the perception of fairness among Nigerian youths.
“The issue is not simply who was declared. The issue is whether the process inspires confidence,” he stated.
The group argued that Yahaya Seriki appeared well-positioned under either a consensus or direct primary arrangement.
It claimed he enjoyed broad organic support when consensus was pursued, and received substantial backing across the state before the disputes intensified.
Annum noted that the episode seemed inconsistent with the inclusive political philosophy associated with President Tinubu, who has built a reputation for identifying talent and creating space for younger generations.
The NYC appealed to APC leadership at both state and national levels to prioritise reconciliation, transparency, and party cohesion. It urged all parties to embrace dialogue and lawful mechanisms for resolving disputes while refraining from inflammatory rhetoric that could deepen divisions.
“Our position is based on principles rather than personalities. Democracy demands legitimacy, transparency and accountability,” Annum stressed.
The youth group reaffirmed the support of Nigerian youths for President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and expressed confidence that the President would give due attention to the genuine concerns raised.
The Kwara APC governorship primary dispute has drawn significant attention, coming ahead of the 2027 general elections and amid ongoing efforts by the ruling party to maintain unity across states.