Leaders of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) across the Akpabuyo, Bakassi, and Calabar South Local Government Areas, in conjunction with a massive coalition of university students, have formally called for a change in the representation of their federal constituency.
The coalition has rejected the current representation at the House of Representatives, citing a consistent track record of poor performance and a systemic exclusion of the youth from the corridors of power.
Speaking at a joint consultative meeting with student leaders from the three local government areas, the group’s spokesperson, Comrade Sebastian Edet Ekpenyong, a former Secretary of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) for Cross River and Akwa Ibom states, asserted that the era of supporting underperforming incumbents is over.
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“The youths are dissatisfied with the poor democratic dividends and the alleged marginalization of young people in governance and decision-making processes,” Ekpenyong stated. He emphasized that the group would no longer throw its weight behind politicians who have previously represented the constituency without tangible results.
The coalition announced that after an extensive search, they identified Comrade Edem Dominic Bassey as the ideal candidate to spearhead a “generational shift.” According to the leaders, Dominic possesses the credibility, accessibility, and leadership qualities required to offer responsive representation at the National Assembly.
In a bold move to demonstrate their commitment, Ekpenyong revealed that the youth coalition has already pooled resources to purchase the All Progressives Congress (APC) nomination form for Dominic ahead of next year’s elections. They intend to formally present the form to him as part of a public appeal for him to join the race.
The call for change was echoed by various youth leaders who expressed frustration over the disconnect between current officials and the electorate.
Comrade Sandra Effiong of the NYCN, Bakassi LGA, urged her peers to take charge of their political destiny. “The youths must rise to change the political narrative by supporting a candidate who is accessible, understands their struggles, and is willing to identify with their aspirations,” she said.
In Calabar South, NYCN representative Eyo Nsa noted that the lack of communication from current representatives has reached a breaking point. “We are tired of the present representation which does not remember the electorate,” Nsa remarked, stressing that the people deserve leaders who maintain contact after the votes are counted.
Representing the student and youth interests of Akpabuyo LGA, Comrade Edem Umo Duke highlighted the necessity of inclusivity. “We do not want leaders who are selfish and inaccessible. The youths must be given a voice and an opportunity to lead,” Duke added.
The coalition has confirmed that mobilization efforts have already commenced across the three local government areas. By bridging the gap between student unions and community youth councils, the group aims to create a formidable political shift that favors youth-centric governance in the coming electoral cycle.
