Shamsuddeen Usman Declares for APC National Youth Leader, Unveils ‘Youths Renewed Hope’ Agenda
A Taraba-born political lobbyist and youth mobilizer Rt. Hon. Muhammed Shamsuddeen Usman, has formally declared his intention to contest for the position of National Youth Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the party's 2026 National Convention.
Usman, an indigene of Gashaka Local Government Area of Taraba State in the North-East, made his declaration in a detailed statement addressed to members and leadership of the APC nationwide. He said his aspiration is driven by a strong conviction that Nigerian youths must move from the margins of political participation to the centre of party leadership and national development.
Aligning his campaign with the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Usman unveiled his campaign theme, "Youths Renewed Hope," which he described as a movement aimed at repositioning young people as strategic partners in governance rather than mere campaign foot soldiers.
"In a time when our nation braces for challenges, it is the dynamic spirit of our youth that can usher in a new era of progress, innovation and unity," he said. "We hold the torch of potential that can illuminate our path forward. It is with this vision that I seek to represent our voices, dreams and aspirations at the national level."
The aspirant outlined an agenda focused on policy advocacy, youth inclusion and structural engagement within party frameworks. He pledged to push for policies that would expand employment opportunities, support entrepreneurship, strengthen education systems and promote capacity building for young Nigerians.
According to him, the office of National Youth Leader must go beyond routine mobilization and evolve into a strategic policy bridge between young party members and the leadership of the APC-led government.
Usman promised to ensure that every young voice within the party is heard and valued, stressing that inclusivity would be central to his leadership approach. He also pledged to promote grassroots consultations across the six geopolitical zones to build a cohesive and nationally representative youth structure.
He further stated that he would prioritize active youth participation in governance by encouraging young professionals, students, entrepreneurs and political actors to engage meaningfully in policy discussions and party decision-making processes.
A key component of his agenda, he said, is bridging the communication gap between youth stakeholders and policymakers. He noted that structured dialogue and sustained engagement would help align youth expectations with government programs while fostering trust and accountability.
Usman also highlighted the strategic importance of the North-East region, noting that his emergence would further deepen inclusiveness within the APC's national leadership architecture.
"Together, let us pave the way for a new dawn where the voices of our youth are amplified and where the Northeast, spearheaded by Taraba, takes its rightful place in the leadership landscape of our nation," he declared.
Political observers say Usman's declaration signals the early start of consultations and alignments ahead of the 2026 APC National Convention, as aspirants begin to position themselves for key party offices.
Calling on party faithful and young Nigerians across the country to support his bid, Usman urged youths to rise beyond apathy and take ownership of their political future.
"My fellow youths, it is time for us to rise and reclaim our narrative. Together, we can inspire change, ignite the passion of our peers and build a stronger party and nation," he said.
He appeals to delegates and stakeholders of the APC to back his aspiration, assuring them that his leadership would focus on unity, innovation and the consolidation of youth influence within the ruling party.
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