The African Democratic Congress (ADC), in Kebbi, has responded to remarks by the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, Alhaji Abubakar Kana-Zuru, who described the party as “irrelevant” and “led by immature youths.”
Kana-Zuru made the comments on Saturday during the flag-off of fertilisers and farm inputs distribution by the member, representing Bagudo/Suru Federal Constituency, Bello Ka’oje, in Kaoje town, Bagudu Local Government Area.
In a statement issued in Birnin Kebbi on Sunday, the ADC Chairman in the state, Alhaji Bala Sufiyanu, described the APC’s remarks as “desperation” amid alleged growing dissatisfaction with the ruling party’s performance not only in the state but nationwide.
He observed that the consequences of policies introduced by APC government were glaring and had engulfed all Nigerians.
“Poverty levels have risen under the APC administration in Kebbi and Nigeria as a whole, while farmers face insecurity and poor market access, youth unemployment has increased and basic infrastructure projects have stalled.
“Instead of addressing these issues, the APC has chosen to attack the only party offering a new vision for Kebbi and Nigeria based on integrity, inclusion and competence,” he said.
Responding to the APC chairman’s description of the ADC as youth-led, Sufiyanu said, the party defended the capacity of young and future leaders, hence the decision of the agile youths to rally round the new dawn.
The chairman cited historical precedents in Nigeria, where young promising Nigerians displayed talented leadership then at their youthful age.
“We have youths that led this country in the past, including former Heads of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, who assumed office at 31, Gen. Murtala Mohammed at 37, and Gen. Muhammadu Buhari at 41.
“Vision, not age, defines leadership, and its youth-driven structure that reflects energy, innovation and courage, which the state needs more than the current recycled politicians,” he said.
The chairman assured the people of the state that the days of politics without accountability “are numbered, and Kebbi’s future belongs to the youths.”
