By Jane Salihu
A coalition of youth leaders and political support groups from across the country on Tuesday announced their alignment with the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), citing the need for a more inclusive platform that encourages grassroots participation and broad-based leadership.
The announcement was made during a solidarity visit to the National Leader of the NDC, Henry Seriake Dickson, in Abuja, where the delegation expressed its commitment to a renewed vision for participatory governance and youth-driven political engagement.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, a former youth adviser at a major political party’s national secretariat said the decision followed extensive consultations with stakeholders at the grassroots level across several states and the Federal Capital Territory.
According to him, many young political actors had increasingly sought a platform where their voices could be better represented and where participation in decision-making would be more open and structured.
He explained that the coalition’s move was inspired by the desire to contribute meaningfully to nation-building and to support a political environment that prioritises inclusiveness, transparency and opportunities for emerging leaders.
“Politics should provide a space where the aspirations of ordinary citizens are reflected and where young people can actively contribute to shaping the future of the country,” he said.
The youth leader noted that members of the coalition had long been active in community mobilisation and political organisation, adding that their new alignment would enable them to expand those efforts while encouraging broader civic participation among young Nigerians.
Responding, Dickson welcomed the delegation and commended their decision to engage more actively in shaping the nation’s political future.
He described Nigerian youths as a vital force in strengthening democratic institutions and promoting innovative approaches to governance.
“Our country’s greatest strength lies in its people, particularly its young population, whose energy and ideas are essential for national development,” he said.
He assured the visiting group that structures were already in place to ensure their full participation in the party’s actiities across states, stressing that the platform encourages members to contribute mea I’llningfully at all levels.
The NDC leader also reiterated the importance of expanding opportunities for women in leadership and decision-making roles, noting that inclusive participation remains central to the party’s guiding principles.
He disclosed that he had also recently engaged with women political leaders from various parts of the country who had expressed similar interest in supporting the initiative and participating in its structures nationwide.
Observers say the development highlights the growing involvement of youth constituencies in shaping Nigeria’s evolving political space, as more young leaders seek platforms that emphasise inclusivity, participation and long-term democratic growth.
