APC Youth Leadership: Calls Grow for ‘Pathfinder’ as Umar Jijiwa emerges in conversations

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

As preparations gather momentum ahead of the national convention of the All Progressives Congress (APC), discussions among young progressives across the country are increasingly shifting toward the kind of leadership needed to reposition the party’s youth movement.

For many observers, the debate is no longer simply about filling the office of National Youth Leader. Instead, it is about identifying a leader capable of transforming youth participation within the ruling party into a structured and influential political force.

Nigeria’s democratic evolution has steadily amplified the voice of young people in governance. Yet, many youths argue that while political parties often celebrate youth participation during campaigns, genuine inclusion within leadership structures remains limited.

Political analyst say the challenge lies not only in bringing young people into leadership but also in ensuring those who emerge create pathways for others.

According to them, true youth leadership must go beyond occupying positions; it must focus on building structures, mentoring emerging leaders and expanding opportunities for broader participation.

Within the All Progressives Congress, the forthcoming convention is expected to produce a National Youth Leader who will coordinate youth engagement across the party’s nationwide platform.

The position carries significant responsibility, particularly in mobilizing young Nigerians, strengthening grassroots networks and shaping policy conversations affecting youth development.

Stakeholders argue that the next occupant of the office must combine competence with a strong commitment to inclusion.

Without competence, analysts warn, political enthusiasm can quickly dissolve into ineffective activism. Without inclusion, youth leadership risks becoming an exclusive circle rather than a platform for wider empowerment.

In recent weeks, party members have expressed different views on how the position should be filled.
While some voices have suggested continuity by returning the current leadership, others believe the moment calls for a fresh perspective capable of revitalizing the youth wing of the party.

There have also been suggestions that the position should be zoned to a particular region, particularly the North, as part of internal political balancing.

However, several youth advocates argue that the most important factor should remain leadership capacity rather than geography.

They maintain that the youth wing of a ruling party must function as a dynamic political engine — mobilizing supporters, building grassroots structures and nurturing the next generation of leaders.

Amid these conversations, one name that has begun to surface in some youth circles is that of Comrade Umar Jijiwa, popularly known among supporters as the “Youth Jagaban.”

Though he has not publicly declared any intention to contest the position, some party faithful believe his growing visibility within youth political discourse makes him a potential figure worth considering.

Supporters point to his media engagements and consistent public defence of the party as evidence of his commitment to the progressive movement.

They note that his television appearances and political commentary have often focused on promoting the party’s ideals and engaging young Nigerians in political discussions.

For some youth advocates, figures like Jijiwa represent what they describe as a “pathfinder” — a young political actor capable of opening doors for others while strengthening institutional structures within the party.

According to them, the real measure of youth leadership lies not in proximity to power but in the ability to mobilize people, build enduring networks and nurture emerging leaders.

Political observers say the next National Youth Leader must therefore demonstrate a clear blueprint for connecting youth structures from the ward level to local governments, states and even diaspora networks.

Such a leader, they argue, must also be capable of transforming the enthusiasm of millions of young Nigerians into coordinated political participation.

As the convention of the All Progressives Congress approaches, attention is turning to the party’s National Executive Committee, which will play a key role in shaping the direction of the youth leadership process.

Many party stakeholders believe the decision must prioritize vision, competence and organizational ability rather than political settlement.

For them, the moment represents an opportunity to strengthen the party’s youth structures and prepare a new generation of political leaders.

Whether Comrade Umar Jijiwa eventually joins the race remains uncertain.

But among a growing number of young party members, the conversation itself reflects a deeper aspiration — the search for a leader capable of charting a new path for youth engagement within the party.

For many watching the unfolding debate, one sentiment is becoming increasingly clear: Nigeria’s youth are paying attention, and the moment demands a pathfinder.