Maureen Okpe
...Urges active youth participation in politics
…Charges INEC on early arrangements for 2027 elections
A Coalition of Patriotic Youth Leaders (COPYL), in conjunction with Forum of Civil Society Organizations for a Better Nigeria, have endorsed Chief Goodluck Chidera Nwaneri for political office, following his remarkable contribution to education, youth empowerment, and community development.
The coalition made the endorsement on Wednesday, in Abuja, at a joint world class press conference, giving Chief Nwaneri one week to consider their call and respond, expressing optimism that he would accept the challenge.
The convener, Comrade Rikki Nwajiofor spotlighted Nwaneri as a visionary and transformational leader while emphasizing the need to build a system united against political and ethnic divide.
Nwajiofor also called for the active participation of Nigerian youth in politics for democratic advancement, emphasizing the need for young visionary leaders to restore hope of governance in the country.
Nwajiofor stated that, “Chief Nwaneri stands out as a silent achiever with an unquenchable passion for education, youth empowerment, and community service. He embodies the leadership qualities required to steer Imo State toward economic revival and social transformation.
“The appeal is rooted in the aspirations of the people, the cry of the downtrodden, and the urgent need for transformational leadership in all the states in Nigeria.
Nwajiofor blamed the worse situation of the political terrain on the nonchalant attitude towards politics of Nigerian youths, adding, “people not voting, people not doing anything with their voter’s card, people not even interested in getting their voter’s card.
“Nigerian youth have not collectively decided to pull the string. We have the strength, we have the power.It might impress you to know that we have some young billionaires, that are less than 40 years doing positive impact in their communities, in their different states.But then some of them shy away from politics. With their influence, with their money, they can even empower some youths who are credible.”
Nwajiofor spotlighted poverty as government’s weapon in keeping check the youth. He further charged the youth on contentment, stating, “most of the youths are so hungry that when you give 5,000 Naira, they will dance to your tune.”
He highlighted the urgent need for change, tasking young persons to not allow themselves be used as a weapon for destruction.
He stressed the need for citizens to take ownership of the democratic process. Noting,”Be contented. Be strong and resilient. You will not die. Hunger will not kill you. Let’s manage it in 2027 and then turn around and select credible candidates. If those we decide to select in 2027 fail us, 2031, we’ll push them out and get other persons.”
Speaking on the issue of trust for the electoral body INEC, Nwajiofor urged INEC to ensure all necessary tests are conducted on election materials to ascertain the timely effectiveness of materials before the election year.
For his part, Dr Duke Alamboye, president of the Nigeria Youth Organisation and chairman of the Queen Assembly Initiative, reaffirmed the coalition’s commitment to ensuring credible leadership in Nigeria.
Alamboye said, “We are setting a precedent by identifying competent individuals like Chief Nwaneri who have proven their dedication to societal progress.
“The era of imposed candidates is over. The youth and civil society are determined to ensure that votes count and the true mandate of the people stands in 2027.”
In the same vein, RT. Hon. Famuyibo Olusegun National Speaker, Youth Assembly of Nigeria reiterated the involvement of Nigeria youth in governance processes, while commending the Convener for strategizing and playing the important role ahead of the 2027 election.
The President, We Are United Movement of NigeriaFelix Tolorunju Idowu stressed the 2027 elections would be a defining moment for Nigeria.
He noted, “We need our own candidates—trusted individuals who have made significant societal impacts without government backing. The political landscape is changing, and we are ready to ensure that those who truly serve the people emerge as leaders.