The National Youth Leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Balarabe Rufai, has declared that the 2027 elections will not be about ethnicity or religion, but a contest between Nigerians with conscience and those without.
Speaking at the ADC National Secretariat in Abuja during a visit from the Coalition for Nigerian Youths in Politics (CONYIP), Rufai said the youth are the backbone of the party and are poised to help defeat President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
“Anyone aligning with ADC today is guided by conscience. This is no longer about tribe or faith. It’s about integrity and that’s the real battle ahead,” he said.
Rufai also noted that leading opposition figures including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, and Babachir Lawal recently declared support for the ADC, rejecting overtures from the Tinubu administration.
“They said enough is enough. But we won’t idolize anyone. Accountability remains our principle. Leaders must serve, and we will hold them to it,” he said.
Explaining why the coalition settled on the ADC, Rufai said it was the only major party free from ethnic or religious bias. “We needed a party for all Nigerians north or south, Christian or Muslim, rich or poor. ADC stood out.”
He emphasized the ADC’s commitment to youth inclusion, noting that 40% of all elective and appointive roles are reserved for young people. “Nigerian youths, who are bearing the brunt of bad governance, are our greatest strength. That’s how we’ll take back 2027.”
Rufai criticized the APC-led government, highlighting the N14 billion allocated to the Ministry of Youth, compared to ₦29 billion for the NYSC, mostly for administrative costs.
“There’s no real investment in youth development. Even the student loan scheme has failed many applied, few benefited.”
“This country needs a reset. We’re not in this for profit or vanity. The ADC is a platform for rebuilding politics rooted in public service, not self-interest.”
CONYIP Convener, Nnamdi Ezemagu, praised Rufai’s leadership, describing his appointment as “a square peg in a square hole.” He called on other parties to empower competent youth leaders and emphasized that the days of tokenism are over.
“Nigerian youths are done being used and dumped. Going forward, it’s about real partnership and mutual respect,” Ezemagu stated.
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