Former Governor of Kano State, Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, has put forward a bold strategy for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to win back power in 2027. Speaking at the unveiling of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Northern Forum of Zonal and State Youth Leaders of PDP in Abuja, Shekarau made it clear that the future of the party rests with Nigeria’s youth.
Shekarau, a prominent member of the PDP, urged the party to harness the power of the youth demographic in the upcoming 2027 general elections.
“The youth population in Nigeria is massive, and they are the key to winning the next election,” Shekarau declared.
He emphasised that with the country’s growing youth population, the PDP needs to reach out to young voters and involve them in shaping the future of the nation.
“PDP must engage the youth at all levels. They must be made to see the party as the only credible alternative to take Nigeria out of its current challenges,” he said.
Shekarau, who served as the Governor of Kano State for two terms, further pointed out that the PDP had achieved significant progress during its 16 years in power, making life better for Nigerians. He described the period of PDP leadership as one where democracy was truly delivered to the people, benefiting many in various sectors, from infrastructure development to economic growth.
The former governor stressed that the party should be returned to power in 2027 to continue its good work and steer the country in the right direction.
“The PDP brought a lot of development to Nigeria during its time in power. It is time for the party to reclaim what is rightfully theirs and lead Nigeria once again,” Shekarau added.
His comments come at a crucial time for the PDP, which has been grappling with leadership challenges and internal divisions since losing the presidency to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2015.
Shekarau’s call for unity within the PDP was echoed by other party leaders who attended the event. Aruwa Ismailab, Chairman of the Northern Forum of Zonal and State Youth Leaders of PDP, also took to the podium to share his views.
Ismailab, who is also the North Central Zonal Youth Leader of the PDP, acknowledged the importance of social media in mobilising the younger generation.
He pointed out that the party’s social media handles could serve as platforms for raising awareness and rallying support. “We must make use of all available channels, especially social media, to regain the confidence of Nigerians,” he said.
The power of social media cannot be overstated, particularly among young people. Over the past decade, the younger generation has increasingly used platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to voice their opinions, demand accountability, and advocate for change. For the PDP, this represents a major opportunity to rebuild trust with the electorate and engage with younger voters who may have been disillusioned with past political leadership.
The event also featured a number of key PDP leaders, including Hon. Enemona Anyebe, the Kogi State Chairman of PDP; Dr. Joel E.B Adagadzu, North Central Zonal Organising Secretary; and Dr. Yunana Iliya, National Ex-Officio. The presence of these leaders demonstrated the party’s commitment to involving youth in its future plans and building a united front for the 2027 elections.
The Nigerian political landscape is currently dominated by the APC, which has been in power since 2015. However, Shekarau’s comments suggest that the PDP sees the 2027 elections as a real opportunity to make a comeback, especially by appealing to the youth who will play an increasingly influential role in shaping the country’s future.
It is no secret that Nigerian youth, who make up a significant portion of the population, are disillusioned with the current state of affairs. High unemployment rates, inadequate education, and a lack of opportunities have left many young people frustrated with the ruling government. These issues, Shekarau believes, can be addressed by a PDP government that understands the needs of the youth and prioritises their welfare.
The PDP’s strategy for reclaiming power will need to focus on policies that speak directly to the concerns of young Nigerians. With youth unemployment at record levels and the education system struggling to meet the needs of a growing population, a shift towards policies that focus on job creation, educational reforms, and the empowerment of young people could be the key to the party’s success.
But for the PDP to successfully engage the youth, the party must first address its internal challenges. The party has experienced leadership struggles, particularly after its defeat in the 2015 presidential elections. A lack of cohesion within the party has led to defections and internal wrangling, making it difficult for the PDP to present itself as a united front.
To win in 2027, the PDP will have to demonstrate unity and a clear, focused vision for Nigeria’s future. If the party can do this, and if it can connect with young Nigerians who are looking for a credible alternative, then it may stand a good chance of regaining power.
The road to 2027 will not be easy for the PDP. The APC, despite facing its own challenges, remains a formidable force in Nigerian politics. However, Shekarau’s call to action is a reminder that the youth are the future of the country and the key to the party’s success in the upcoming election.