By Julius Peter, Abuja
Baaji Gremami, Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Youth Parliament in Borno State, has declared his support for former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, describing him as an alternative for Nigeria as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.
Gremami said Nigeria needed a change in leadership, expressing confidence that Atiku had the plans and policies required to address the country’s numerous challenges.
He made the remarks during the inauguration of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, an event attended by the party’s presidential candidate and his running mate, members of the campaign council, party chieftains, stakeholders and supporters.
According to Gremami, Nigerians are increasingly dissatisfied with the prevailing economic and social conditions, arguing that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has failed to meet the expectations of citizens.
He accused the ruling party of failing to adequately address the hardship confronting ordinary Nigerians, particularly the rising cost of living and the difficulties many households face in meeting their basic needs.
“Atiku Abubakar is the alternative for Nigeria. This is the time the country needs a change, and I believe Atiku has the plans and policies required to do the job well,” Gremami said.
He argued that the economic difficulties facing Nigerians had heightened public dissatisfaction with the government, insisting that the concerns of citizens should be treated as a priority by political leaders.
The ADC youth leader maintained that the country needed leadership capable of responding to the needs of the people, improving economic conditions and restoring public confidence in government.
Beyond his endorsement of Atiku, Gremami called for greater involvement of young Nigerians in the country’s political leadership, expressing concern that the younger generation had continued to be told that it would lead in the future while older politicians remained dominant in positions of authority.
He argued that young people should be given meaningful opportunities to participate in governance and decision-making rather than being perpetually asked to wait for their turn.
According to him, the continued dominance of older political figures has raised questions about the commitment of political parties to youth inclusion and the transfer of leadership responsibilities to a new generation.
“We are tired of being told that youths are the leaders of tomorrow while the older generation continues to rule. By the time they leave office, they want to hand over power to their children,” he said.
Gremami stressed that young Nigerians should take a more active role in shaping the country’s political future, adding that their participation should go beyond campaign activities to include decision-making positions and responsibilities in government.
He maintained that the country’s youthful population represented an important resource that could contribute to national development if given the necessary opportunities and support.
The ADC youth parliament chairman also urged young people to become more involved in the democratic process, stressing the importance of participation in political parties and other platforms where decisions affecting the country are made.
The inauguration of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council brought together key figures within the party, including its presidential candidate, vice-presidential candidate, campaign Director-General and other members of the campaign leadership.
Party chieftains, stakeholders and supporters were also present at the event, which provided a platform for members to express their political positions and discuss the party’s preparations for the 2027 general elections.
Gremami used the occasion to reiterate his support for Atiku and call for a political direction that, in his view, would better address the needs and aspirations of Nigerians.
His remarks reflected the concerns he raised about economic hardship, leadership accountability and the role of young people in determining the country’s future.
As political activities ahead of the 2027 elections continue to gather momentum, the ADC faces the task of presenting its policy proposals and leadership agenda to Nigerians while seeking to broaden its support across the country.
For Gremami, the central issues are the need for a change in leadership, policies that respond to the difficulties confronting citizens and a political system that provides young Nigerians with greater opportunities to participate in governance.
He maintained that the country’s future would depend significantly on the choices Nigerians make and the willingness of political leaders to respond to the expectations of the people.
