President Muhammadu Buhari Thursday in Abuja said the future of All
Progressives Congress (APC) lies in strengthened internal democracy,
with transparent electoral processes, pro-people policies and
programmes, and value of each member’s contribution to the party’s
growth.
In a virtual meeting with APC youths held at the State House, President
Buhari noted that the ongoing registration and revalidation across the
country will further ensure a shared vision for the party, grassroots
ownership and participation, and inclusiveness for youths.
”I was in Daura to revalidate my membership and I encourage you all to
do same. My belief and firm commitment is that politics is a game of
numbers, and political power truly belongs to the people. Parties are
built from the ground up.
”So I envisage a party that we can have transparent electoral contests,
drive policies and programmes that are pro-people, and most importantly,
have the members determine who represents them, not some leaders
somewhere, ” the President said.
He assured the youths of more party and government policies that will
accommodate their interests, with a committee on the way, largely of the
young, that will specially take into cognizance and work for the
interest of youths.
”Young people owe this country the responsibility to deploy their
energy and creativity in every field — health, science, education,
sports, agriculture, etc. — and bring up innovations that would be in
tandem with the changing dynamics of the world.
”While I will be looking forward to a more robust engagement with young
people across the country, I wish to emphasize to you all that in me,
you have a major supporter. I will offer you my full support to grow in
politics, public service, entertainment, entrepreneurship and many other
sectors, because I know that the future we envisage as a country cannot
happen without our youths.
”In the days ahead, I will be engaging with the Minister for Youth,
National Youth Leader of the party and others to fine-tune continuous
and deliberate strategy on how to better drive a more robust youth
inclusion and participation in different sectors.”
The President urged youths to join the APC, while thanking many who
stood by the party over the years.
”I have followed with keen interest the efforts of many of you in your
bid to grow our party, the APC, into a strong and long lasting platform
that would sustain progressive governance in Nigeria. Taking issues
concerning our party seriously is commendable and shows your forward
thinking.
”I am also aware of the daily toils and sacrifices many of our online
warriors make on social media to defend and promote the party and
government. I appreciate you deeply and I am committed to making sure
everyone appreciates your work as well. ”
President Buhari told the youths to closely monitor the processes that
lead to the emergence of leaders in the political party, and also pick
more interest in taking up leadership roles.
”Tell your colleagues to go back to their constituencies and join in
party registration, attend party meetings, pay your dues, make
contributions and bring your youthful energy and zeal to bear on the
development of the party right from the unit and ward level up to the
national. If you want to see something different you have to be willing
to do something different, ” he said.
In his remarks, the National Youth Representative, APC Caretaker
Committee, Barrister Ismaeel Buba Ahmed, appreciated the President for
always giving quick response to issues that affect young people in the
country, which include the N-Power project, with N75 billion youth fund,
and various interventions that stimulate entrepreneurship, especially to
cushion the effects of COVID-19.
Ahmed, who is also Senior Special Assistant on National Social
Investment Programme to the President, appealed to the President to
ensure more youth inclusion in all committees of the Federal Government
since young people constitute more than 60 per cent of the population,
and creation of a Youth Commission.