2027: HOW APC CAN STRENGTHEN GRASSROOTS YOUTH SUPPORT IN DELTA — SSA ABUAH

‘Our Candidates Have Performance Records to Present to the Electorate’
As political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, youth participation and grassroots mobilisation are expected to play significant roles in shaping the political landscape of Delta State.

With young people constituting an important segment of the electorate, political parties are increasingly focusing on community engagement, economic empowerment, political education and effective communication to strengthen their support base.

In this interview, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Delta State on Grassroots Youth Mobilisation, Hon. (Chief) Lucky Blessing Abuah, speaks on strategies for mobilising young people, strengthening the All Progressives Congress (APC), addressing youth concerns, promoting peaceful political participation and preparing for the 2027 elections, particularly in Oshimili North Local Government Area.

NB: What is your assessment of the political atmosphere in Delta State ahead of the 2027 general elections?

ABUAH: The political atmosphere presents an opportunity for greater youth participation and constructive engagement. Young people constitute an important part of our communities, and their interests, expectations and concerns must be taken seriously.

In Delta State, our responsibility is to maintain regular contact with young people, listen to their concerns and encourage them to participate actively in the democratic process.

As a member of the APC, I will continue to encourage young people to examine the party’s programmes, leadership record and policy direction as they make their political choices in 2027. We believe political support is best strengthened through trust, effective communication, credible leadership and a visible commitment to the welfare of the people.

NB: What specific strategies are you putting in place to mobilise youths for the APC in Delta State?

ABUAH: Our approach is based on organised grassroots engagement rather than occasional political meetings. This involves identifying youth leaders across wards and communities, holding regular consultations, establishing effective communication channels and encouraging young people to participate in party activities.

We also engage students, artisans, traders, entrepreneurs, farmers, professionals, sports groups and community-based youth associations.

Our objective is to build a strong grassroots network that understands the concerns of young people and communicates the party’s programmes effectively. We must also encourage eligible voters to verify their voter registration details and participate peacefully in the elections.

NB: How do you intend to convince undecided youths and those who are not interested in politics to support the APC?

ABUAH: We must first understand why some young people have become disillusioned with politics. Many are concerned about unemployment, the cost of living, access to education, business opportunities and their future.

The best response is not to dismiss their concerns but to listen and explain how policies and programmes can address them. We must present verifiable achievements of our Government, realistic commitments and clear policy proposals.

I believe young people should be encouraged to compare political parties based on their programmes, leadership capacity and performance. Our responsibility is to make a convincing case for the APC through constructive engagement, not intimidation or inflammatory language.

NB: What role should Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration play in strengthening youth support for the APC?

ABUAH: The administration has an important role to play by ensuring that government policies respond to the needs of young people across Delta State.

Our youths want opportunities to acquire skills, establish businesses, find employment and contribute meaningfully to society.

As grassroots mobilisers, we should communicate verified government programmes and provide feedback from communities to the relevant authorities.

We must also ensure that information about legitimate opportunities reaches young people at the grassroots.

The MORE Agenda should be explained in practical terms, particularly what its programmes mean for communities and how eligible young people can access available opportunities.

Ultimately, confidence in government grows when citizens can see, understand and evaluate its performance, just like in Delta where our governor is performing.

NB: How can the APC strengthen its relationship with youths in Oshimili North and other local govt?

ABUAH: We must recognise that each community has its own needs and priorities. A single approach may not adequately address the concerns of every community.

The best strategy is to conduct consultations, engage youth associations and identify the issues residents consider most urgent. These may include roads, electricity, education, healthcare, security, employment and support for small businesses.

We must also establish a system for documenting concerns and following up with the relevant government agencies and political representatives.

Young people will be more willing to engage when they see that their voices are heard and their concerns are taken seriously. Our mobilisation efforts should promote unity across communities rather than create divisions.

NB: What role do social media and digital communication play in your youth mobilisation strategy?

ABUAH: Social media is an important communication tool because many young people use digital platforms to obtain information, discuss public affairs and engage with political leaders.
We should use these platforms to share verified information, explain party policies, announce legitimate public engagements and encourage peaceful participation in the electoral process.

At the same time, we must discourage misinformation, personal attacks, cyberbullying and messages capable of provoking violence.

Our online communication should be factual, respectful and responsible.
Digital mobilisation should complement physical engagement, not replace face-to-face conversations within our communities.

NB: How will you address political apathy and encourage young people to participate in the 2027 elections?

ABUAH: Political apathy often grows when people believe their participation does not make a difference. We must encourage young people to understand that democratic participation goes beyond attending rallies.

It includes learning about candidates and their programmes, participating in public discussions, checking voter registration details, complying with electoral guidelines and voting peacefully.

We should also encourage qualified young people to explore legitimate opportunities for political participation, including party activities, election administration where eligible and lawful civic observation.

Our message is simple: young people should be informed, organised and actively involved in shaping the future of their communities.

NB: What is your position on vote-buying, electoral violence and the intimidation of political opponents?

ABUAH: I strongly believe that elections should be peaceful, credible and conducted in accordance with the law. Vote-buying, intimidation, violence and the deliberate spread of false information undermine democracy and damage public confidence.

Our responsibility as political stakeholders is to encourage peaceful campaigns, respect opposing views and allow eligible voters to make their decisions freely.

The APC always seek public support through its programmes, policies, leadership and record of performance. Young people must never be encouraged to engage in violence or break the law in the name of political loyalty.

A successful election is not merely about winning; it is also about protecting the democratic process and maintaining peace in our communities.

NB: What measures would you recommend to ensure that youths are adequately represented in the party’s decision-making process?

ABUAH: Young people should not be treated merely as campaign supporters. They should also have opportunities to contribute ideas, develop leadership skills and participate in legitimate party decision-making.

I encourage regular consultations between party leaders and youth representatives, mentorship programmes and fair opportunities for qualified young people to serve in party structures.

Their representation should include women, persons with disabilities, young professionals, artisans and other groups whose experiences may differ.

When young people participate meaningfully in discussions and leadership development, the party benefits from fresh ideas and stronger connections with the electorate.

NB: What is your message to APC stakeholders in Oshimili North and Delta in general who may have disagreements ahead of the elections?

ABUAH: Political disagreements are not unusual, but they must be managed with maturity and respect.
Our stakeholders should remember that internal unity, fairness and respect for party procedures are important to building a credible political organisation.

We should prioritise dialogue, resolve disputes through established channels and avoid personal attacks that may deepen divisions.

Party leaders should also make room for constructive criticism and ensure that young people are not drawn into unnecessary conflicts. Our collective objective should be to strengthen the party through lawful and peaceful political participation.

NB: What would you consider the key indicators of success for your grassroots youth mobilisation efforts before the 2027 elections?

ABUAH: Success should be measured by more than the size of political gatherings or the number of people appearing in campaign photographs.
We should examine the consistency of community engagement, the participation of young people in civic education, the quality of feedback reaching decision-makers, the inclusion of different youth groups and their understanding of electoral procedures.

We should also assess whether our engagements promote peaceful political participation and whether concerns raised by young people receive appropriate follow-up.

Any internal assessment of electoral support should be evidence-based, and we must respect the secrecy of the ballot.

Our aim is to build a credible and sustainable relationship with the electorate.

NB: How do you intend to mobilise youths to ensure that APC candidates win in Oshimili North and across the country in 2027?

ABUAH: I am optimistic about our prospects because we have candidates whose records and performance we intend to present to the electorate.

Our political aspiration is to see President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu and our local government chairman, Olorogun Innocent Esewezie, succeed in the forthcoming elections, subject to the applicable party nominations and electoral processes.

We intend to strengthen grassroots engagement, communicate our candidates’ records, listen to the concerns of residents and encourage eligible voters to participate peacefully.

In Oshimili North, our focus will be on reaching young people in every ward and community, explaining the programmes and records of the candidates we support, and ensuring that voters have access to relevant information.

We believe that presenting a credible performance record is important in making our case to the electorate. However, the final decision rests with the voters, and we must respect their choices.

NB: Finally, what is your message to the youths of Oshimili North as the 2027 general elections approach?

ABUAH: My message is that the future of Delta State belongs to all of us, and young people have a crucial role to play in shaping it.
I encourage our youths to remain peaceful, informed, hardworking and committed to the development of their communities. They should reject political violence, resist misinformation and insist on accountability from every political leader.

As a member of the APC, I will continue to encourage constructive engagement and explain the party’s vision and programmes to the electorate. I invite eligible voters to assess the available choices carefully and participate peacefully in the 2027 elections.

Our aspiration is to build a Delta State where young people have opportunities to succeed, communities enjoy meaningful development and democratic participation is guided by responsibility, unity and respect for the law.
Thank you.