Youth and women groups within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Adamawa State, Nigeria, are advocating for increased representation in the party’s leadership. At a recent news conference in Yola, the groups expressed their frustration with the current state of affairs, where only a single youth leader is often projected, and even then, the individual may not actually be a youth. This, they argue, is inadequate and does not reflect the demographic makeup of the party.
The coalition of youth and women support groups convened the conference to push for more inclusive leadership at all levels of the party. They emphasized the need for greater female representation beyond just the woman leader position, stressing that more women should be included in decision-making roles. Mohammed Adamu, Chairman of the Adamawa Coalition of ADC Youth and Women Support Groups, outlined the group’s demands, stating that at least 15 of the 27 party executives in the Adamawa State chapter should be comprised of youths and women.
According to Adamu, this proposed formula would help address the long-standing dominance of older men in the party, which has resulted in significant challenges for youths and women seeking representation. The coalition chairman underscored the importance of inclusion, stating that “youth and women inclusion is a right, not a privilege.” This call for greater representation comes as the party seeks to reinvigorate its leadership and better reflect the diversity of its membership.
The demand for increased youth and women representation in the ADC is not isolated to Adamawa State, as similar concerns have been raised in other parts of the country. As political parties in Nigeria strive to become more inclusive and representative, the ADC’s response to these demands will be closely watched. The party’s ability to address these concerns and create a more equitable leadership structure will be crucial in determining its appeal to a broader range of voters and its overall effectiveness in promoting the interests of its members.
