ADC youth-women coalition calls for overhaul of party leadership in Adamawa
The Coalition of Youth and Women Supporters of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Adamawa State has called on the party’s national and zonal leadership to dismantle the current leadership structure in the state and install an interim arrangement that reflects greater inclusivity.
In a communiqué issued at the end of its meeting in Yola, the coalition, led by its Chairman, Mohammad Adamu, described the existing structure as unrepresentative and exclusionary.
Adamu emphasized that the inclusion of youths and women in the party’s leadership should be considered a right, not a privilege.
“This is not right. Equality and justice should be the guiding principles in party politics. Women and youths must be considered for all leadership positions,” he said.
He urged the National and Zonal Working Committees of the ADC to ensure that at least 17 of the 27 state-level party offices in Adamawa are allocated to young people.
The coalition further demanded that women be given equitable opportunities across all party structures, stating that their involvement should not be limited to stereotypical roles such as Woman Leader or Assistant Woman Leader.
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According to Adamu, young people make up about 70 percent of Nigeria’s population, while women account for roughly 62 percent, making both demographics central to the country’s democratic future.
“ADC, as a political party, should harness the raw potential of young people and women by reserving at least 50 percent of elective positions within its structures for them. This is key to fostering inclusion and democratic accountability,” he added.
The group also condemned what it described as the imposition of older individuals in youth leadership roles, citing the appointment of a 50-year-old man as a youth leader in a political party.
Adamu insisted that the position of youth leader should be strictly reserved for individuals between the ages of 18 and 39, in alignment with Nigeria’s demographic realities.
On the issue of micro-zoning of party positions, the coalition urged stakeholders to respect existing arrangements when selecting leaders. It also recommended Mr. Abdurrasheed Suleiman for consideration as State Youth Leader, should the position be zoned to Adamawa Central.
Despite its grievances, the coalition reaffirmed its loyalty to the ADC at both national and zonal levels and pledged to work towards strengthening the party’s standing as a major opposition force in the country.
