The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) Youth leaders have described the appointment of Minister of Youth Development, Hon Ayodele Olawande, as Director- General of Youth Mobilisation of the Presidential Campaign Council as a strategic move to strengthen grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The Youth leaders, spanning the 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Abuja, also said Mr Olawande’s appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was well deserved and would enhance mobilisation and participation of young Nigerians in the electoral process.
The APC released the complete membership list of its 2027 Presidential Campaign Council over the weekend, with Mr Olawande serving as Director- General of Youth Mobilisation for the council.
In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by its Chairman, Comrade Zaka Nehemiah, the forum also congratulated Senator Abdul’ Aziz Yari, CON, on his appointment as Director- General of the Presidential Campaign Council.
The Youth leaders particularly welcomed Olawande’s appointment, citing his experience as a former youth leader in Ondo and his understanding of grassroots mobilisation, youth engagement, and political coordination.
According to them, the appointment underscores the growing importance of young people in Nigeria’s political process and demonstrates the administration’s commitment to giving youth leaders a meaningful role in coordinating and mobilising the 2027 campaign.
They explained that they have a structure comprising more than 19,533 youth leaders across 17,802 wards, 1,154 local government areas, 109 senatorial districts, the 36 States and the FCT.
The Youth leaders also pledged to deploy their grassroots structures and networks in support of Olawande’s responsibilities and the broader objectives of the Presidential Campaign Council.
They expressed confidence that the combination of Senator Yari’s leadership and Olawande’s experience in youth mobilisation would contribute to a coordinated and inclusive campaign ahead of the 2027 elections.
‘Renewed Hope is assured,’ they added.
The APC Youth leaders assured the minister of their cooperation and support as he takes up his new responsibility, while reaffirming their readiness to work with him to achieve the campaign’s objectives.