…Mobilises 700 aspirants, calls for fair primaries

By Joseph Erunke, Abuja

A youth group, Nigerian Youth in Politics, has purchased the All Progressives Congress (APC) nomination form for philanthropist and former Senior Special Assistant to the Delta State Governor, Hon. Igbiki Cyril Chiedozie, to contest the Aniocha South Constituency seat in the Delta State House of Assembly.

A delegation of the group, led by its National Secretary, Amb. Duke Alamboye, presented the form to Chiedozie in Abuja.

Speaking after receiving the form, Chiedozie outlined his priorities to include youth empowerment, healthcare, agriculture, security and education. He pledged to promote initiatives aimed at creating opportunities for young people and improving livelihoods across the constituency.

“We are focused on practical youth empowerment—supporting young people in different ways and representing their interests effectively,” he said.

He added that his agenda would also include expanding healthcare outreach programmes, promoting agricultural initiatives, supporting students through interventions such as assistance with JAMB registration and school-related needs, and advocating improved security.

Chiedozie called on residents of Delta State to continue supporting Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, noting that his previous role as Senior Special Assistant on Community Development provided an opportunity to contribute to grassroots development.

He also acknowledged former Governor and Senator Ifeanyi Okowa for his contributions to community and youth development in Delta North.

Earlier, Alamboye said the purchase of the nomination form was part of a broader effort to encourage youth participation in elective offices across the country.

He, however, raised concerns over what he described as a change in the process, alleging that party officials redirected the collection of forms to the state level, and called for clarity to ensure transparency.

“Nonetheless, we have fulfilled the requirement by purchasing the nomination form and will continue to engage within the rules,” he said.

The group disclosed that it has mobilised about 700 young aspirants nationwide to contest in upcoming elections, describing the initiative as a significant step toward increasing youth participation in politics.

“We want young people to be actively involved at all levels of governance,” Alamboye said.

He emphasised the need for fairness in the party’s primaries, noting that the group supports both consensus and direct primary processes as provided by law, provided all aspirants are given equal opportunity.

“We will continue to follow the process and advocate fairness for all candidates,” he added.

Also speaking, the National Organising Secretary of the group, Amb. Virgin Onyenze, described Chiedozie as a credible candidate with a record of supporting youth development, particularly in education and community initiatives.

He added that the organisation remains committed to assisting young aspirants who have the capacity to contest elections but lack the financial resources to obtain nomination forms.

“This is an opportunity for Nigerian youths to step forward. Those with the capacity but limited resources can reach out for support,” he said.

According to him, the group’s intervention is aimed at promoting greater youth inclusion in governance and encouraging more young Nigerians to participate actively in the political process.