The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) Sokoto State chapter has launched a grassroots campaign targeting youth ahead of the 2027 elections. Gubernatorial aspirant Alhaji Shamsudeen Aliyu announced the initiative during a gathering in Sokoto on Sunday. The campaign aims to educate young people about political alternatives beyond the dominant parties. Mr Aliyu stressed that Nigeria has over 50 registered political parties, and citizens should not feel confined to a two-party system. He urged youths to become advocates for good governance and to support parties that align with their values.
Mr Aliyu revealed that he previously belonged to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) but left due to leadership concerns. He described his move to the NDC as consistent with political reality, noting that many politicians have changed parties recently. He emphasized that the NDC reflects his vision for governance and citizen inclusion. Central to the campaign is the message of youth empowerment and resistance to being used as political thugs during elections. "Your vote is your power; use it to choose leaders that truly represent you," Mr Aliyu said. The party plans to expand its outreach across all local government areas through youth and community networks.
Alhaji Shamsudeen Aliyu's pivot from the ADC to the NDC exposes the fluidity of political loyalty in Sokoto, where personal ambition often shapes party affiliation more than ideology. His claim of leadership concerns in the ADC rings familiar in a political culture where defections are routine, especially as the 2027 elections draw near. The timing of this youth mobilisation effort suggests it is less about democratic idealism and more about carving space in a crowded opposition field.
The campaign's focus on youth is strategic, not altruistic. With Sokoto's under-35 population making up a significant portion of the electorate, any party hoping to compete must capture their attention. Mr Aliyu's warning against youth being used as political thugs acknowledges a well-documented reality—young people are often mobilised for violence or rigging, then discarded after elections. By positioning the NDC as a platform for empowerment, the party attempts to reframe political engagement as something beyond patronage and chaos.
For ordinary youths in Sokoto, the real test lies in whether the NDC offers tangible opportunities or just another set of slogans. Many have grown sceptical of parties that speak of inclusion but fail to field young candidates or share power. If this campaign leads to actual youth representation on the ballot, it could shift dynamics. Otherwise, it risks being seen as just another recruitment drive for election-day foot soldiers.
This effort fits a broader pattern across Nigeria: the multiplication of third-party movements attempting to break APC-PDP dominance. While few have gained lasting traction, the persistence of such campaigns reflects growing dissatisfaction with the status quo.
