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The Young Progressives Party (YPP) has intensified its mobilisation drive ahead of the 2027 general elections with a major stakeholders’ meeting in Karu, Nasarawa State, drawing political actors, grassroots mobilisers, and a surprise presence—the President of the All-Africa Students’ Union (AASU), His Excellency Osisiogu Osikenyi E., who openly declared his foray into partisan politics.

In a stirring speech that drew repeated applause, Osisiogu, who has served as President of AASU while residing in Karu for 13 years, underscored the need for young Nigerians to seize their political destiny through peaceful participation.

“With a special reference to God Almighty, the creator of heaven and earth… with special respect to our elders who, irrespective of political divide, have chosen to be here with us the young people today, so that we do not go astray… my name is Osisiogu Osikenyi, and presently I serve as President of the All-Africa Students’ Union, AASU, the Student Union for the entire continent of Africa,” he began.

Osisiogu spoke emotionally about the hospitality of Nasarawa State, particularly Karu, which he described as “one of the fastest-growing local governments in Nigeria today.” He recalled how people from across Africa have found a home in Karu: “Most of them stay here, get married, and their children grow up, and they don’t even remember they are not Nigerians. And that is how very hospitable Karu local government has been.”

He urged the youth to move beyond tokenism and take their place in governance. “We as young people of Karu local government and of Nasarawa State have seen other young people in other countries rise up and take their destinies into their own hands. We do not do so through violence. We do so through political expression,” he said.

Decrying the dominance of money politics in established parties, Osisiogu declared that YPP represents a genuine alternative. “It appears they don’t have enough space for women… for persons with disabilities… and that is why we are very grateful to the national leadership of the YPP, led by Bishop Emmanuel Amakri, who has provided the platform for young people across the country. Now, today, it is our turn in Nasarawa,” he said.

He further explained the symbolism of the YPP logo: “The logo of the party shows the map of Nigeria, and inside it, you see an open door. That is why we say, ‘Bude Kofa Ga Kowa’—open doors for all. It is an open door for young people, for deprived groups, for women, for persons with disabilities, even for elders who feel it is time for the young people.”

Osisiogu’s message culminated in a rallying call: “From now to the next one year and more, we are going to see young people in their 20s and 30s aspiring to go to the House of Assembly and the House of Representatives. Other states are doing it. We want Nasarawa not to be left behind… The only way to express ourselves is to quietly go and get our voters’ card. Let all of us make sure we get our voters’ card, and also listen to the manifesto of everybody so that the votes in 2027 will reflect the true interests of the people.”

YPP National Leadership: “We Have Waited Long Enough”

Representing the National Chairman of YPP, Bishop Emmanuel Amakri, the Deputy National Technical Adviser, Engr. Promise Nwadigos, charged the youth to use their numbers and energy to change Nigeria’s political landscape.

“With the beautiful faces I’ve seen here this morning, it shows that the youth will rise again,” Nwadigos declared. “Year in and year out, they say we are the future leaders of tomorrow. But when it’s time to give us space at the table, they tell us to wait. And we have waited long enough.”

He urged youths to embrace voter registration as their weapon of choice: “The youths are very aggrieved. But you cannot do it by holding gun and knife; it is with your PVC. As registration is going on now, you try and register to get your PVC. It is not a violent thing. It is a strategic movement.”

Importantly, he stressed inclusiveness: “Please do not say YPP is a party for young people. We want the fathers to support us. Love us. Take us as your children. And also tell us what you want us to do when we get there. Together we will win this battle.”

Stakeholders and Grassroots Voices

Several stakeholders and participants also spoke with journalists at the sidelines of the meeting, echoing the call for unity and political awakening.

Idris Alhassan expressed optimism about YPP’s chances: “My greater hope is for YPP to take over Nigeria come 2027. I’m calling on all young people in Nigeria to come join hands together to ensure that we move Nigeria forward. This is our fight. This is our war. Let’s fight it together and let’s win together.”

From Wamba Local Government, Hon. Abba Yahaya, though a member of the APC, admitted he was impressed by the YPP gathering. “The youths should wake up. Stay away from this politics of hundred naira, two, two thousand naira. These big shots will come with big jeeps, give you tokens, and disappear. From Wamba to here, I bought fuel N25,000 to get to Karu, not even Abuja. Can we continue like this? I will support a candidate with whom my children will have a future, irrespective of political party,” he declared.

He also dismissed partisan rigidity: “No political party is a Church or Mosque. If I vote for a candidate in party J, that does not mean I am no longer a Muslim. I will vote a credible candidate irrespective of party.”

Comrade Jonah Umaru, a Karu-based stakeholder, reinforced the YPP’s vision: “We’re actually here to familiarise with other local government stakeholders in the state. The vision is to ensure that we bring change to Nasarawa State. And the change will start with YPP, and we are trusting God that even to the level of governorship election our party will emerge victorious.”

A Neighbour’s Testimony: “He Will Be a Good Leader”

Adding a personal dimension to the deliberations, Hajia Hadiza Inuwa Garga, a former neighbour of Osisiogu, spoke with journalists about his character and leadership potential.

“I’m here for the President of AASU, being a very good neighbour with a very good heart. We lived as one when we were in the same compound. You won’t differentiate who is a Muslim from who is a Christian because we treated ourselves as one. He is one of the people that laid a good example in the compound. He always respects neighbours and his good habits made me come here for him. I believe that when he gets there, he will do justice. He’s going to be a good leader for everyone,” she said warmly.

Hajia Hadiza recalled an incident that defined Osisiogu’s humility: “I can remember there was a time he was having his child dedication in the compound. He invited us. His people were there, including politicians and other people from Abuja. Yet he had time to come down and serve us who were his neighbours. He made sure all the neighbours were served well first before he started attending to other people. He is very good.”

She also described his commitment to supporting those around him: “The way he is now, he can shop anywhere in Abuja. He can go to the big malls. But I have a small store and he would leave all of the big malls to come down to my shop and buy from me, supporting his own neighbours. So I believe he is going to be a good leader that will show an example, inshallah. We are happy for this movement and we are with him.”

Her advice to the party stakeholders was clear: “They should move with him. It may not be that easy for now to join politics as a young person. He needs many things, especially financially. So, the stakeholders should be patient. There is a time to reap. And when he is there, he is going to remember everybody—not just for them but for the sake of our future.”

Repositioning for 2027

The meeting, attended by representatives from across Nasarawa’s 13 local government areas, signalled a growing momentum for the YPP’s grassroots mobilisation. While acknowledging elders’ guidance, the stakeholders stressed that the movement must remain youth-driven, inclusive of women, and accessible to persons living with disabilities.

As Osisiogu summarised: “It is going to be self-destruction if any young person in Nasarawa State does not have his or her voters’ card. Our message is Bude Kofa Ga Kowa—open doors for all. The YPP is a safe platform for every young Nigerian who wants to build a political future. The door is open, and it brings with it fresh air, fresh opportunities, and a new beginning.”

With chants of “Gbosa” to hospitality of the people of Karu and Nasarawa State echoing in the hall, the YPP stakeholders’ meeting in Karu ended on a high note, setting the stage for what promises to be a heated and youth-driven contest in 2027.

StreetReporters.ng

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