By Luminous Jannamike

ABUJA — The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has urged the All Progressives Congress (APC) to adopt a youth as its consensus candidate for the House of Representatives seat in Offa/Oyun/Ifelodun Federal Constituency of Kwara State ahead of the 2027 elections.

The call places the student body directly in the party’s selection process, as pressure builds on the APC to respond to growing voter demand for results-driven leadership in the constituency.

The position was contained in a statement signed by Comr. Oladoja Olushola, National President of NANS, on Monday.

He said, “As political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the next electoral cycle, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) National Leadership deems it necessary to intervene constructively in the ongoing conversations surrounding candidate selection within the Kwara State chapter of the APC.

“At this critical moment, the APC stands at a defining crossroads. The decision it makes will either reinforce public confidence or deepen the growing disconnect between leadership and the people.”

NANS said it was backing a youth candidate for the seat, arguing that young people form a significant share of the constituency and should be reflected in its representation.

“Beyond his achievements, Comrade Akeem Ayinla Ishola embodies the aspirations of a new generation of Nigerians who seek meaningful inclusion in governance. His candidacy offers the APC a rare opportunity to align with the national momentum for youth participation; not as symbolic placeholders, but as competent leaders equipped with fresh ideas and practical solutions.

“These are not token gestures; they are tangible expressions of leadership anchored in empathy, responsibility, and action,” Olushola said.

NANS said the decision before the APC goes beyond filling a ticket and will shape representation in the constituency.

The student body added, “The choice before the party is not merely about filling a ticket, it is about shaping the future of representation in Offa/Oyun/Ifelodun Federal Constituency.

“The message from the student constituency and the broader electorate is clear: leadership must be earned through service, not sustained by slogans.”