By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has criticized the Federal Government’s proposed National Youth Conference, calling it a ploy to favor President Bola Tinubu’s son, Seyi Tinubu, and his associates.
Speaking during an interview on Lunchtime Politics on Wednesday, Sowore alleged that the conference is unlikely to address the real issues facing Nigerian youths. Instead, he described it as a politically motivated initiative aimed at rewarding select individuals.
The current administration is trying to reward the youths who are aligned with them, particularly the President’s son and his associates,” Sowore said, branding the initiative as unproductive.
President Tinubu, in his Independence Day broadcast on October 1, announced plans for a 30-day National Youth Conference. He highlighted the need for a platform where young Nigerians could discuss challenges and opportunities.
“In light of this, I am pleased to announce the organization of a National Youth Conference. This conference will serve as a platform to address the diverse challenges and opportunities confronting our young people, who make up over 60 percent of our population,” Tinubu stated.
Sowore, however, expressed skepticism about the conference’s intentions and outcomes. He argued that the initiative is unlikely to yield substantial results and accused the government of deliberately excluding genuine youth voices.
These young people being invited to the conference are likely Seyi Tinubu’s friends, not the actual representatives of Nigerian youths,” Sowore alleged. “They cannot allow genuine, critical youth voices at the table. If I were invited, I would decline because I already know this is a charade. Nothing meaningful will come out of it.”
He further criticized the initiative as an attempt to create the illusion of inclusivity. “The whole idea is to make young people feel involved—like they belong—while livestreaming the event and compensating select individuals. But in the end, it will achieve nothing,” he said.
Sowore emphasized that Nigerian youths do not need a conference to take meaningful action. Instead, he urged young people who are serious about governance and leadership to unite and work collectively to achieve their goals.
“The real transformation will come when serious-minded young people join forces to take over power and implement their vision. That is how change will happen—not through superficial conferences,” Sowore concluded.
This critique highlights the ongoing debate about youth participation in governance and whether government-led initiatives genuinely address their needs or serve as political tools.