A Youth Coalition Rallies Behind Tinubu for 2027 Re-election Bid
A coalition of youth groups from Southern Nigeria has thrown its weight behind President Bola Tinubu for a second term in office, citing his youth-focused policies and commitment to generational progress as the driving force behind their endorsement. The Coalition of Southern Nigeria Youth Groups for ASIWAJU 2027, comprising young people from the 17 southern states, emphasized that their support is rooted in Tinubu’s governance ideology rather than ethnic or political affiliations. They believe that Tinubu’s two years in office have demonstrably benefited Nigerian youth and laid a strong foundation for a modern Nigeria, deserving of further consolidation through a second term.
The coalition plans to mobilize youth support for Tinubu’s re-election through grassroots engagement, digital advocacy, and policy-driven initiatives. They see Tinubu as a symbol of generational progress and believe his policies are action-driven and results-oriented, leading to concrete transformations for young Nigerians. They highlight several key policy areas as evidence of Tinubu’s commitment to youth development.
Digital Empowerment and Skill Development: The coalition lauds Tinubu’s 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) program as a significant step towards equipping young Nigerians with essential digital skills for the 21st-century economy. The program focuses on training in areas such as coding, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and other cutting-edge technologies, preparing youth for emerging job markets and fostering innovation.
Education and Access to Tertiary Education: The reintroduction and expansion of the Student Loan Act is another policy highlighted by the coalition. They view this as a landmark reform providing equitable access to tertiary education regardless of economic background, easing the financial burden on students and their families and promoting educational advancement for a wider segment of the population.
Youth Inclusion in Governance: The coalition commends Tinubu for actively including youth in government positions. They point to the appointment of young people to ministerial roles, special advisory positions, and leadership roles in various parastatals as a demonstration of Tinubu’s trust in the capabilities of Nigerian youth and their ability to contribute meaningfully to national development.
Creative and Sports Economy Development: The coalition acknowledges Tinubu’s support for the creative and sports industries, recognizing these sectors as significant drivers of economic growth and youth employment. They believe that fostering these industries can unlock the potential of young Nigerians and contribute to diversifying the national economy.
Support for Youth-Owned Businesses: The coalition praises initiatives aimed at supporting young entrepreneurs and fostering the growth of youth-owned businesses. They see this as crucial for job creation, economic empowerment, and promoting innovation within the Nigerian economy.
NYSC Revitalization and Skill Acquisition: The coalition highlights Tinubu’s efforts to revitalize the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program and enhance its focus on skill acquisition. They view this as an important platform for national integration and equipping graduates with practical skills for the job market.
Local Government Autonomy: The coalition supports Tinubu’s commitment to granting greater autonomy to local governments. They believe that this will empower local communities, improve service delivery, and enhance grassroots development.
The coalition firmly believes that a four-year tenure is insufficient to fully implement and entrench the transformative policies initiated by Tinubu. They argue that a second term is essential to consolidate these reforms, uproot ingrained corrupt practices, and steer Nigeria towards a more prosperous and equitable future. They are committed to mobilizing widespread youth support for Tinubu’s re-election bid, believing that his continued leadership is crucial for the realization of the aspirations of Nigerian youth and the overall development of the nation. They argue that his policies are not just promises but are already yielding tangible results, demonstrating his genuine commitment to the advancement of Nigerian youth.
The coalition’s endorsement of Tinubu reflects the growing recognition among a segment of Nigerian youth of the president’s efforts to address their specific needs and concerns. Their active engagement in promoting Tinubu’s re-election bid underscores the potential of young people to shape the political landscape and advocate for their interests within the democratic process. By highlighting concrete policy initiatives and their potential impact, the coalition aims to mobilize youth participation in the upcoming electoral cycle and ensure that their voices are heard. Their emphasis on digital advocacy and grassroots engagement signals a modern approach to political mobilization, leveraging technology and community networks to reach a wider audience and build a strong base of support for their chosen candidate.
Their firm belief in Tinubu’s vision for a modern Nigeria, coupled with their commitment to active political participation, positions them as a significant force in the upcoming electoral landscape. Their mobilization efforts and advocacy work will likely play a key role in shaping the political discourse surrounding the 2027 elections and the future direction of Nigeria. The coalition’s articulation of Tinubu’s youth-focused policies provides a framework for understanding their reasons for supporting his re-election bid, and their plans for grassroots mobilization offer insights into the strategies they will employ to achieve their political objectives.