Ahmadiyya Leader Advocates for Youth Coalition and Backs Adebayo's Leadership Vision
Alatoye Abdulazeez, the Amir and National Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama'at of Nigeria, has issued a compelling call for Nigerian youths to forge a unified front, transcending ethnic and religious boundaries to shape the nation's political trajectory. In a significant endorsement, he identified Adewole Adebayo, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), as a credible and capable leader poised to drive meaningful national transformation.
Strategic Youth Mobilization and Political Impact
Abdulazeez emphasized that Nigeria's future hinges critically on the ability of young people to organize themselves strategically and rally behind trustworthy candidates. He pointed out that, despite the presence of youthful aspirants in past elections, their influence has been consistently diluted by a lack of cohesion and robust alliances at the polls. The cleric argued that Adebayo's candidacy under the SDP offers a pivotal opportunity to alter leadership dynamics, but this potential can only be realized if Nigerian youths collaborate and mobilize support beyond narrow sectional interests.
Overcoming Divisions and Promoting National Unity
Highlighting the detrimental effects of persistent divisions along ethnic, religious, and regional lines, Abdulazeez described Nigeria as being in a crucial phase of its evolution, where such fragmentation continues to undermine national development. He stressed the urgent need for a unifying national mindset that prioritizes collective progress over parochial affiliations. Reinforcing the principles of the Ahmadiyya movement, he cited its motto, "Love for All, Hatred for None," as a foundational ethos for fostering national unity, asserting that religion should serve as a force for peace rather than division. He strongly condemned acts of violence perpetrated in the name of faith, labeling them as antithetical to Islamic teachings.
Addressing Electoral Malpractices and Governance Challenges
Abdulazeez also issued a stern warning against vote-buying and other forms of electoral inducement, urging youths to reject short-term gains in favor of long-term nation-building through active and informed participation in governance. On the state of national affairs, he acknowledged efforts by President Bola Tinubu while noting that substantial improvements are still required in key sectors such as electricity supply and economic management. He called on citizens, particularly the youth, to assume responsibility for shaping the nation's future, emphasizing that leadership extends beyond officeholders to include the electorate who determine electoral outcomes. "Leadership is not just about those in office. It is also about those who choose them," he remarked, underscoring the critical role of voter engagement in democratic processes.
