By Emmanuel Oloniruha
The African Democratic Congress (ADC), has pledged to increase the inclusion of Nigerian youths in elective and appointed positions if voted into power.
ADC interim National Chairman, Sen. David Mark, made the commitment on Tuesday in Abuja at an event organised by the office of the National Youth Leader of the party to mark the International Youth Day 2025.
The event has the theme, “Local Youth Actions for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Beyond.”
Mark, who was represented by Salihu Lukman, former All Progressives Congress (APC) National Vice Chairman (North-West), described the ADC as a party of equal opportunity, where factors such as age, gender, religion or region are not barriers.
He said that under his leadership ADC would be committed to genuine democratic values, rejecting imposition, special privileges and politics without accountability.
He said that the ADC grassroots structures would be revitalised to reflect modern realities, stating that from polling units and wards to the national stage, every organ of ADC would be re-energised for active participation.
“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.
“Our policies, candidate selection and leadership roles will ensure real inclusion of youths and women, not tokenism.
“That is why 35 per of leadership positions are reserved for women and leadership roles will include Nigerians under 40.
“Nigerians will know ADC as a party driven by clear ideology, progressive policies and patriotic governance. We will not leave leadership direction to chance.
“This is the ADC way: focused, principled, and people-driven dedicated to achieving good governance for every Nigerian,’’ Mark said.
In his remarks, ADC National Youth Leader, Balarabe Rufai, pledged the party’s commitment to youth inclusivity in decision making when the ADC takes power.
Rufai said that the party’s allegiance was to building lasting structures that work for every citizen, not to tribe, region or the selfish ambitions of a few.
He said that the party would raise a generation that refused to be divided, a youth force that demands justice, drives progress and protects the dignity of Nigeria.
“The ADC is ready to give young Nigerians a seat at the table not as decoration, but as decision makers.
“We will champion policies that create real jobs by investing in agro-processing, renewable energy and tech start-ups.
“We will fund education as if our lives depend on it because they do.
“We will bring security to our communities not by empty promises, but by empowering local security structures and addressing root causes,” he said.
Rufai, however, challenged Nigerian youths to unite and confront what he called the “moral crime” of policy failures.
He noted that Nigeria has the largest youth population in Africa, with more than 70 per cent under 35, yet the country is the most economically stranded generation since independence.
He decried the high rates of poverty, food inflation, youth’s unemployment and out-of-school children in the country.
In his keynote address, ADC National Treasurer, Dr Mani Ahmad said that the SDGs would remain a distant dream unless they are rooted in local, youth-led actions.
Ahmad said that while challenges like poverty, inequality and climate vulnerability were well-documented, they also presented opportunities for innovation and community-led solutions.
He urged the youths not to be bystanders, but architects of change by participating actively in politics.
Ahmad also tasked youth on advocacy and collaboration to bridge the gap between government and citizen.
“The ADC welfare ideology aligns perfectly with the vision of a Nigeria where every young person is an active participant in shaping policies and not just a passive recipient of these policies,’’ he said.
“Don’t keep quiet. Demand spaces in local governance, whether at your ward, your local government or even at your states.
“Attend town hall meetings. Join advisory boards. Liberate on the platform, like the ADC Youth Wing, that has provided this opportunity for you to amplify your voices.
“You must partner with other youths, NGOs, faith-based organisations and local businesses to implement those SDG-focused projects,’’ he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)