By Angela Atabo
More than 707 ethnic nationalities youth leaders have thrown their weight behind President Bola Tinubu, expressing support for his leadership ahead of the 2027 general elections.
A lawyer, Mr Aare Hassan, President of the Nigeria Youth Coalition (NYC) and the Convener of the All Nigerian Ethnic Nationalities Youth Conference 2025, with the theme: “Emboldening a New Nigeria of Our Dream”made this known in Abuja.
Hassan said the group also called for a constitutional amendment to introduce a single seven-year tenure for all elective office holders.
The group also made a bold call for constitutional reform that would introduce a single 7-year presidential term, replacing the current two-term limit of four years each.
He explained that the conference with the resolve to promote peace, unity and national cohesion, growth and development; called on youths to help stabilise governance, reduce political tension, and end the costly cycle of perpetual electioneering that often cripples national development.
“We are proposing a single, seven-year tenure for all elected officials beginning before the 2027 general elections,” he said.
“This will allow leaders to focus on performance, governance, and national development rather than wasting valuable time on electoral battles every few years.”
He said that the constant election cycles have created a “politically charged atmosphere that stalls real growth and development,” adding that “Nigeria needs time-bound leadership stability to achieve the Renewed Hope Agenda.”
Hassan added that the attended by youth representatives unanimously endorsed President Bola Tinubu’s second term, describing him as a “symbol of democratic continuity and a stabilising force in turbulent times.
“President Tinubu has demonstrated resilience and courage in steering Nigeria through difficult economic transitions.
“We acknowledge the inherited economic challenges, but we are convinced that with stability and time, the reforms will yield results.”
Hassan said that the group also honoured Alhaji Aliko Dangote (GCON) with the Legend of Democracy Hero Award for his investments in national development and industrial growth, while calling on the Federal Government to protect private investors from undue harassment and regulatory intimidation.
“We are using this medium to advocate for provision of abundance of crude to Dangote Refinery or better still grant Dangote Exploration of Crude license and Sales Outlets filling stations across Nigeria, while Petroleum Products are purchased at affordable rates of N200 per litre, without the monumental havocs associated to the subsidy regime.
“With proper support, Nigerians should be able to buy fuel at N200 per litre.We must move away from the subsidy chaos and embrace policies that drive affordability and self-sufficiency.”
The Convener said that the gathering also commemorated 30 years since the execution of Ken Saro-Wiwa, the Ogoni environmentalist and activit who was killed for his activism against oil pollution.
“Ken Saro-Wiwa’s death remains a painful reminder of the cost of speaking truth to power.
“Thirty years on, the issues he died for environmental degradation, oil exploitation, and neglect of the Niger Delta still persist.
“While we pay tribute to the memory of Ken Saro-Wiwa today, we all have a duty to stand against any attempt to take Nigeria back to military rule.
“What we need is for President Tinubu to reverse the fuel price hike, electricity tariff hike, currency devaluation and other matters of regional and national interests, that are creating the escalating cost of living crisis. ”
Hassan said that the group commended the Nuhu Ribadu-led Committee on Ogoni Clean-Up but demanded faster implementation and broader compensation for affected communities.
He said that the coalition called for the drafting of a New People’s Constitution that reflected the will of Nigerians and addresses structural inequalities in governance.
He added that the group also 35 per cent budgetary allocation to Education, 25 per cent for Youth Development, 15 per cent for traditional institutions, and the creation of a Federal Ministry of Chieftaincy and Traditional Affairs to strengthen cultural leadership.
They also called for a review of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) to increase host community benefits from three to 30 per cent as well as the establishment of National Agricultural Economic Development Zones to drive mechanised farming and reduce food insecurity.
Reaffirming their commitment to democracy, the youth leaders strongly condemned renewed calls for military intervention in governance.
“It would be absurdly crude and undemocratic for anyone to advocate a return to military rule,” Hassan declared. (NAN)