02/09/2025
The leadership of a youth group,
Ogun Youth Advocate for Social Development (OGYASD) has described the newly-formed opposition coalition under the African Democratic Congress as a joke if nigerian youths are not included.
Speaking during a press conference held at Abeokuta, Ogun state on Friday, , OGYASD ‘s president, Oluseyi Alamu described the coalition as a “political charade” that lacks genuine vision and long-term credibility especially if Nigerian youths remain sidelined in the formative process.
Alamu bemoaned what it described as the recycling of political actors , playing familiar scripts under a new name without addressing the real issues threatening Nigeria’s future.
Adding that to find solutions to problems in the country , certain things including, youth marginalization, insecurity, economic empowerment, education and ethnic division must be addressed.
The group noted that Nigeria is a nation where over 60% of the population is below the age of 35, yet political conversations continue to be dominated by older generations who, according to the group, have historically failed to deliver on promises.”
OGYASD also warned that if youths are only called upon to serve as foot soldiers during elections, while decisions are made behind closed doors by political elites, then the coalition is nothing but “a gathering of convenience—not conviction.”
OGYASD reaffirmed its commitment to mobilizing, sensitizing, and preparing the youth of Ogun State and beyond to reject any movement that treats them as spectators in their own future.
“The coalition of opposition parties culminating in the formation of a new political front under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is a “political charade” that lacks genuine vision and long-term credibility—especially if Nigerian youths remain sidelined in the formative process.
“The same recycled political actors are playing familiar scripts under a new name without addressing the real issues threatening Nigeria’s future: youth marginalization, insecurity, economic empowerment, education and ethnic division.”
“The so-called merger that birthed a ‘new ADC’ is already built on shaky foundations. Any political structure that excludes the voices, ideas, and leadership of Nigeria’s teeming youth population is bound to fail. You cannot talk about change while ignoring the changemakers.”
“Nigeria is a nation where over 60% of the population is below the age of 35, yet political conversations continue to be dominated by older generations who have historically failed to deliver on promises.”
“If youths are only called upon to serve as foot soldiers during elections, while decisions are made behind closed doors by political elites, then the coalition is nothing but a gathering of convenience—not conviction.
“We challenge the new ADC and any political platform serious about salvaging this country to open their doors to credible youth voices—not just token appointments or spokesperson roles, but real participation in policy formulation, party leadership, and national planning”.
Also speaking at the press briefing a member of the group, Dr Oladipo Gbeminiyi ,who asserted that the youth will not allow another cycle of false hope and elite manipulation adding that If the youth are not part of the foundation, the house will collapse again.
He however called on all youths across the country to rise, engage, and demand their rightful place at the table—not after the food has been served, but as chefs who help set the national agenda.
IBADAN: The leadership of a youth group,Ogun Youth Advocate for Social Development (OGYASD) has described the newly-formed opposition coalition under the African Democratic Congress as a joke if nigerian youths are not included. Speaking during a press conference held at Abeokuta, Ogun state on Frid...
