A cross section of participants at an event to mark the International Youth Day 2025
In a bold move to reshape Nigeria’s political landscape, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has pledged to prioritize youth inclusion in governance, promising young Nigerians a significant role in both elective and appointed positions.
The commitment was announced during an event in Abuja on Tuesday, marking International Youth Day 2025, themed “Local Youth Actions for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Beyond.”
ADC’s interim National Chairman, David Mark, represented by Salihu Lukman, former APC National Vice Chairman (North-West), emphasized the party’s dedication to equal opportunity.
“To our young people: ADC is your home. We are opening the doors for the next generation, not as a gesture, but as a commitment,” Mark declared.
He outlined plans to reserve 35 percent of leadership positions for women and ensure Nigerians under 40 are included in key roles, rejecting tokenism in favor of genuine representation.
Mark stressed that ADC’s grassroots structures would be revitalized to reflect modern realities, ensuring active participation from polling units to the national level.
“Nigerians will know ADC as a party driven by clear ideology, progressive policies, and patriotic governance,” he added, vowing to uphold democratic values and accountability.
ADC National Youth Leader Balarabe Rufai echoed this commitment, urging youths to unite against systemic challenges like poverty, unemployment, and policy failures.
With over 70 percent of Nigeria’s population under 35, Rufai called for a united youth force to demand justice and drive progress.
“The ADC is ready to give young Nigerians a seat at the table, not as decoration, but as decision makers” he said, outlining plans for policies to create jobs through agro-processing, renewable energy, and tech start-ups, alongside investments in education and community-based security.
ADC National Treasurer, Dr. Mani Ahmad, delivered a keynote address, urging youths to be architects of change.
“The ADC welfare ideology aligns perfectly with the vision of a Nigeria where every young person is an active participant in shaping policies,” he said.
Ahmad encouraged youths to engage in local governance, attend town halls, and collaborate with NGOs and businesses to implement SDG-focused projects.
The event highlighted ADC’s vision for a progressive, inclusive Nigeria, with a clear focus on empowering the nation’s youth to lead. As Rufai passionately stated, “We will fund education as if our lives depend on it—because they do.”
NAN
