By Muhammad Mamman
Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) says it is witnessing a major influx of young people into its ranks, claiming that nearly half of its registered members are now between the ages of 18 and 35.
The party’s National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, made the disclosure on Saturday, describing the development as proof of growing youth confidence in the APC.
“About 49.8 percent of our members, as of yesterday, are between the ages of 18 and 35,” Yilwatda said. “Our party is youthful. Unlike before, when we were deceived into believing that most youths were aligned with certain individuals, we have now proven to the world that the majority of young people are with the APC.”
He said the figures reflect a shift in political engagement among Nigeria’s youth, whom he described as increasingly interested in governance, economic opportunities and national development.
Yilwatda added that the party has intensified outreach programmes aimed at young Nigerians, including leadership training, digital engagement and grassroots mobilisation, in an effort to strengthen youth participation ahead of future elections.
Nigeria has one of the youngest populations in the world, with more than 60 percent of its citizens under the age of 25. Youth voting patterns and political activism have played an increasingly prominent role in recent electoral cycles, making young people a key demographic for all major parties.
The APC chairman urged more youths to get involved in the political process, saying their participation is essential to shaping the country’s future.
“Our young people are not just supporters; they are stakeholders,” he said. “They must be part of building the Nigeria they desire.”
