APC Youth Network West Africa Targets Youth Mobilisation, Unveils Secretariat ahead of 2027 Election

The APC Youth Network West Africa has inaugurated its secretariat as part of efforts to strengthen its organisational structure, expand youth mobilisation and promote community development ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking at the official commissioning of the secretariat, the Director-General of the network, Tunde Igbasan, described the occasion as more than the unveiling of a building, noting that it represented a commitment to providing the organisation with a permanent base for coordination, leadership and sustainable growth.

Igbasan said that although the network began developing its structures only a few months ago, it had established an active network, initiated community programmes and commenced work on its headquarters.

According to him, the secretariat would serve as a central point of contact for members and visitors travelling through Lagos from different parts of West Africa, while providing an institutional foundation for the organisation’s activities.

He added that the initiative was designed to foster a sense of belonging among members and strengthen the network’s capacity to achieve its objectives.

The Director-General also highlighted the political journey of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing it as a source of inspiration for young people aspiring to leadership positions. He urged supporters and campaign teams to prioritise unity, cooperation and peaceful political engagement ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Also speaking at the event, the Chief of Staff to the Lagos State Governor, Mr Tayo Ayinde, reaffirmed the importance of strengthening the party’s political structures, mobilising young Nigerians and communicating the New Hope Agenda of President Tinubu.

Ayinde said the network had an important responsibility to expand political engagement, strengthen grassroots structures and ensure that the administration’s policies and objectives were effectively communicated to the public, particularly young Nigerians.

He charged members to ensure that the newly inaugurated secretariat served purposes beyond ceremonial gatherings, stressing that it should become a centre for coordinating activities, engaging communities and communicating the organisation’s message.

“The success of this office will be measured not by today’s ceremony, but by the work that follows,” he said.

Ayinde further urged members to take an active role in shaping political discourse ahead of the 2027 elections, noting that they must understand government policies, explain their objectives and communicate their expected outcomes to citizens.

He also advised members to respond to criticism with facts rather than political slogans, while acknowledging the difficult adjustments associated with the Federal Government’s economic reforms.

The Lagos State Governor’s Chief of Staff stressed the need for citizens to understand the respective responsibilities of the federal, state and local governments, noting that accountability should be directed at the appropriate level.

According to him, while the President should be held accountable for federal policies and performance, governors and local government leaders must also answer for responsibilities within their respective jurisdictions.

He cited neglected roads, non-functional health centres and communities without basic amenities as examples of issues that should prompt citizens to demand accountability from the authorities responsible for providing such services.

The inauguration of the secretariat marks a step in the APC Youth Network West Africa’s efforts to establish a permanent operational base, coordinate its members and expand community engagement ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The organisation is expected to use the facility to support political coordination, youth mobilisation and grassroots engagement as preparations for the elections continue.