By Luminous Jannamike
ABUJA – The leadership conflict within the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has intensified following Ambassador Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubo‘s renewed assertion of his presidency over the council. In a recent press conference, Sukubo revealed that his faction has collectively resolved to endorse President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the upcoming 2027 general elections.
Speaking from Abuja, Sukubo emphasized that this endorsement emerged after extensive consultations with youth representatives from across Nigeria, reflecting a unified position within his group.
This development further deepens the rivalry with the opposing faction led by Babangida Onimisi Isah, who also claims rightful leadership of the NYCN. The ongoing dispute highlights the increasing political fragmentation within the youth organization as the nation approaches the 2027 polls.
Sukubo explained that their decision to back President Tinubu was the outcome of careful internal discussions focused on Nigeria’s future and the pivotal role of young people under Tinubu’s continued leadership.
“We want to send a clear message to Nigerians and the global community that, under my stewardship, the National Youth Council of Nigeria has taken a firm position on key national issues,” Sukubo stated.
“These conclusions, reached after weeks of thorough dialogue, represent the collective hopes and ambitions of Nigerian youths from all 36 states and 774 local government areas,” he added.
He reiterated that he and his National Executive Council are the legitimately elected representatives of Nigeria’s youth population.
“Having been duly elected alongside my executive team, we embody the authentic voice of young Nigerians nationwide,” Sukubo affirmed.
The faction’s endorsement of President Tinubu, Sukubo noted, is based on their assessment of the current administration’s achievements and Nigeria’s progress under his leadership.
“After a comprehensive review of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s tenure, the youth have resolved to support his bid for a second term in 2027,” he declared.
He called on President Tinubu to formally declare his intention to seek re-election, assuring that youth chapters across the country would be mobilized to promote active participation in the electoral process.
“This decision resonates through every state, local government, and Nigerian youth community abroad,” Sukubo remarked.
“We urge all state chapters, local coordinators, and affiliated youth organizations within the NYCN to communicate this resolution at the grassroots level and rally support nationwide,” he added.
While underscoring the NYCN’s non-partisan stance, Sukubo stressed the council’s responsibility to engage constructively on issues affecting Nigerian youth.
“It is important to clarify that the National Youth Council of Nigeria remains non-partisan. Our endorsement stems from a shared commitment to protect the future of Nigerian youth and build on the progress achieved under the current government, especially in areas such as youth empowerment, education, agriculture, entrepreneurship, digital innovation, and social investment,” he explained.
He concluded by urging Nigerian youths at home and abroad to unite and actively engage in the democratic process leading up to the 2027 elections.
“We call on every Nigerian youth, both within the country and in the diaspora, to come together with optimism and resolve to ensure sustained progress and stability,” Sukubo concluded.