The National Youth Council of Nigeria has called on the Arewa Youth Assembly to redirect its attention toward pressing youth welfare issues such as unemployment, education, and insecurity, instead of engaging in political matters.
This appeal was made during a press conference held on Monday in Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State.
The Arewa Youth Assembly had earlier on Sunday called for the impeachment of Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and his Enugu State counterpart, Peter Mbah, accusing them of fueling the crisis within the Progressive Governors’ Forum. The group argued that the actions of these governors could jeopardize President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027 and destabilize the All Progressives Congress.
In response, the NYC National Vice President, Comrade Kehinde Olorunjubelo, along with the Ogun State Coordinator of the Commonwealth Youth Organization, Comrade Emmanuel Ojo, and the Financial Secretary of Gateway Progressive Youth, Awonowo Oluwafemi, condemned the move as misdirected and unproductive.
They criticized the Arewa Youth Assembly for making such demands, stressing that youth organizations should avoid being dragged into internal party conflicts that do not benefit young Nigerians.
Olorunjubelo stated, “Education, insecurity, and unemployment are the real challenges we face. These are the areas where we should invest our energy, not in partisan politics.”
He further added, “This action by the Arewa youths is unacceptable, and we strongly condemn it. We advise all Nigerian youths to steer clear of party affairs. There are more urgent issues confronting us. I encourage young people to remain focused and committed only to leadership and policies that impact Nigerian youth.”
He emphasized that the PGF is an internal APC body with its own dispute resolution mechanisms, and using northern youth platforms to advance partisan agendas undermines the credibility of youth advocacy nationwide.
“Stay completely away from party matters. The party has its structure, constitution, and established principles for resolving internal disputes. Young people should not meddle in Progressive Governors’ Forum politics, nor should they tarnish the youth constituency with such politically motivated actions driven by disgruntled elements,” he warned.
Emmanuel Ojo, the State Coordinator of the Commonwealth Youth Organization, also spoke, urging young Nigerians not to allow themselves to be used as pawns in intra-party battles. He noted that Governor Dapo Abiodun has been effectively advancing the President’s agenda and deserves praise, not criticism.