Muh’d Kadade Suleiman, the national youth leader of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Nigeria, on Friday, expressed profound appreciation to the National Executive Committee of the party for the reduction of the cost of Expression of Interest and Nomination forms to contest political positions, for the party primaries by 50 per cent for all party members between the ages of 25 to 30.
Recall that the decision by leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party during its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on Wednesday in Abuja, was hinged on the party’s commitment to ensure youths’ participation and inclusion in politics and governance.
However, while reacting to the reduction of cost of nomination form in a release issued to AFRIPOST on Friday, the PDP national youth leader, Prince Suleiman, noted that even as the gesture is unprecedented, it’s not new to the party’s people-oriented policies, and restated that the PDP had at various occasions, adopted all-inclusive approach to every stakeholder in the society.
He also acknowledged the gesture and pledged not to take this opportunity for granted, as youths had cried that there was no platform for the leaders of tomorrow, describing the gesture by the former ruling party in the country, as a good step and will go down as a turning point in Nigeria’s political culture.
According to the opposition party chieftain, “the founding fathers of this great party envisioned a Nigeria with a clear roadmap to development and sustainability. The bulk of that vision is reflected in the array of individuals voted and appointed into office 23 years ago. Most of our leaders today were young first timers (23 years ago), who were given opportunity to serve in public office and thrived in their respective portfolios”.
Suleiman also reiterated the genuine commitment and dedication of the youth wing of the Peoples Democratic Party to continue working with members of the National Working Committee (NWC) at creating a purpose-driven party with a clear set-up path for youths inclusion and participation.
He submitted by saying, “the idea is to participate and mobilize from the grassroots. We are under no illusions that leadership and responsibility are going to be handed on a platter to the youths. My appreciation goes to my fellow dogged youths of our great party for our resolve to participate in the determination of our future”.