) The National Youth Political Coalition (NYPC) says it will support President Bola Tinubu’s second-term bid, expecting his administration to strengthen policy implementation, create jobs, improve security and deliver programmes benefiting Nigerians.
The Chairman of the coalition, Charles Dagana, made the declaration on Tuesday during the coalition’s National Press Conference in Abuja.
Dagana said the coalition’s decision was based on its assessment of the administration’s performance as well as commitments to continue reforms that would improve the welfare of Nigerians, particularly young people.
He acknowledged the government’s efforts in the areas of economic reforms, infrastructure development and security, but stressed that more work was needed to address the nation’s economic hardship, high cost of living and unemployment.
”We recognise that governing a country like Nigeria is not easy, and we acknowledge the efforts made so far in infrastructure, security and the economy.
”However, there is still much to be done. Our support is based on the need for greater implementation of policies, youth-focused economic opportunities, improved security and ensuring that government programmes reach ordinary Nigerians,” he said.
The coalition chairman urged the Federal Government, state governments and relevant agencies to ensure effective implementation of policies already introduced under the Tinubu administration.
According to him, many government initiatives fail to achieve their intended objectives because of weak implementation and inadequate monitoring.
He reiterated the coalition’s support for the proposed establishment of state police, describing it as a necessary step toward addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.
Dagana also renewed the coalition’s call for the establishment of a Physical Development Commission (PDC) to monitor government-funded infrastructure projects across the country.
He said the commission would ensure proper supervision of projects, improve accountability and guarantee that development reached rural communities.
”Our focus is no longer just on making policies but on ensuring that those policies are implemented effectively and benefit the people directly,” he said.
Also speaking, the Convaner of the coalition Hon. Usman Shagari, urged government to create more jobs for young people, invest in education, technology, innovation and agriculture, strengthen security and speed up infrastructure development.
Shagari is also the National Speaker of the National Youth Assembly of Nigeria (NYAN).
He said the coalition remained independent and would support any political party or candidate with policies that promote youth empowerment, good governance, national unity and economic growth.
”Our support will be based on competence, commitment and good policies, not political affiliation.
“Nigeria comes first. The youth come first. The future starts now,” he said.
Shagari said democracy required a strong opposition that would provide solutions instead of focusing on criticism.
”Nigerians want leaders who will put the country’s interest first. Politics should be about solving problems, not personal ambition,” he said.
He said although the government had recorded progress in some areas, many public officials had not met the expectations of Nigerians.
”Public office holders must be transparent, accountable and focused on delivering results,” he said.
He welcomed the passage of the State Police Bill and urged the Federal and State Governments to ensure its proper implementation.
He also called for the establishment of a Physical Development Commission to monitor infrastructure projects, as well as Women Rights and Youth Development Commissions.
Earlier, the National Women Leader of the coalition, Aisha Yusuf, said the coalition was committed to promoting women empowerment and inclusion, stressing that women must be given equal opportunities to contribute to national development.
”When women are empowered, when their voices are heard and when they are fully included in all areas of national life, the nation flourishes,” she said.
Yusuf said Nigerian youths were ready to contribute their energy, innovation and creativity toward building a stronger and more prosperous country.
”Young Nigerians are full of creativity and innovation, and we are ready to contribute to national development,” she said.
She also called for the establishment of a Women Rights Commission to strengthen the protection and advancement of women’s rights in the country.
The National Publicity Secretary, Solomon Fayese, commended the proposed establishment of state police, describing it as a step toward improving security in the country.
”We commend the President for the proposed constitutional amendment on state police.
“We urge the National and State Assemblies to ensure its smooth passage and implementation for the safety of Nigerians,” he said.
Fayese, however, expressed concern over the performance of some youth political appointees, saying many had yet to make meaningful impact.
”Our concern is that some youth appointees have not done enough to create jobs and improve the lives of young Nigerians. We need practical results, not just good ideas on paper,” he said. (NAN)
