Ambassador Aliyu Bin Abbas, President of the National Youth Alliance (NYA), has urged Nigerian youths to actively defend the nation's democracy. He made the appeal on Sunday during an NYA seminar titled "Birthing a New Nigeria," which coincided with the inauguration of 112 NYA local government chapter executives in Abuja. Abbas described the current phase as critical, emphasizing that young people must rise above apathy and play a central role in shaping the country's political future. He stressed that democracy requires constant engagement and warned that silence could lead to democratic erosion. The event brought together youth leaders from across the country to discuss civic responsibility, national unity, and youth participation in governance.
Abbas's call exposes a growing expectation for youths to fill the leadership vacuum left by older political figures. With 112 local chapters now active, the NYA is positioning young Nigerians not just as voters but as frontline actors in democratic stewardship. This shift could influence future political engagement, especially if youth-led initiatives gain traction beyond rhetoric. For now, the real test lies in whether such appeals translate into measurable civic action.