Socio-political activist, Aisha Yesufu, has raised concerns over the composition of the newly unveiled African Democratic Congress coalition, urging its leaders to ensure meaningful inclusion of youths and women in policymaking roles.
Yesufu, a prominent supporter of Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, made the call in a post on her X handle on Wednesday.
“Dear Coalition (ADC), women leader and youth leader positions cannot be what is reserved for women and youths.
“You see this table full of older generation men, cannot be the only ones allowed to make the decision as we go on!
“Women and youths must be in the midst of decision-making and not as afterthought in the form of tokenism,” Yesufu wrote.
She encouraged active participation from young Nigerians and women, stressing the importance of numbers and fresh ideas.
“Dear women and youths, this is the time for the numbers.
“You have to be heard loud and clear. Join! Be part of the leadership!
“Be part of the delegates. Be part of floor members.
“Overwhelm for good! Bring in ideas from out of the box,” she added.
Her comments followed the formal unveiling of the ADC as the new platform for the 2027 opposition coalition to challenge the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
At the event, held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja on Wednesday, former Senate President, David Mark, and ex-Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, were announced as interim National Chairman and Secretary of the ADC-backed coalition, respectively.
The party’s founding National Chairman, Ralph Nwosu, said ADC leaders voluntarily stepped down to allow the new leadership take charge and steer the party in a new direction.
