The leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has set in motion, machineries to further open the party and pave way for greater participation of youths in electoral activities, including emerging as candidates at various levels across the country.
In this regard, the PDP National Directorate of Youth Affairs has set up a Youth Restructuring Committee to examine the level of youth involvement in the various organs of party administration, as well as recommend ways by which more youths will be encouraged to aspire and supported to emerge as party candidates in future elections.
The Committee, which is the first major step towards improving youth inclusion in line with the on-going effort to reposition the party for the challenges ahead, would be inaugurated by the PDP Acting National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus on Tuesday, September 8, 2015 at the PDP National Secretariat, Abuja.
In view of the critical nature of its assignment, the committee has as members, seasoned youth activists, mobilizers and commentators, drawn from across the country, such as Hon. Tony Nwolu, Amb. Ibrahim Bala Northerner, Prince Adebayo Opeolwa Abayomi, Comrade Franklyn Edede, Umar Babangida Maina, Comrade Ini Essien Emabong, Hon. Zulaihat Abdullahi, Malik Henry Obodozie-Awuzie, Ohimai Godwin Amaize, Abdulrahaman Usman Muawuyya, Comrade Yusuf Alhassan Kanoma, Barr. Inusa Mohammed, Comrade Chidiebere Egwu and Oche Joseph Otorkpa.
The Committee is further vested with the responsibility of examining the institutional, operational and administrative framework that governs and guides youth activities in the Party, as well as recommending amendments necessary to improve and expand youth inclusion in party processes.
It is also to review the involvement strategy of youths groups, recommend best practice and avenues for youth group engagement, in addition to contemporary methods for youth recruitment, mobilisation and retention in the party. The party appreciates the support of the International Republican Institute (IRI) in pledging technical and secretarial assistance for the Committee, which has three weeks to submit its report.