Looking at the political participation of youths in modern day Nigeria, one is faced with a ridiculous contradiction. A situation where since the dawn of the current political dispensation the typical Nigerian youth has often been used as canon fodders to propel aged or elder politicians to power. Today, there appears to be a shift in that paradigm, especially after the experience of the ENDSARS protest, a protest that was pioneered, engineered, propelled and executed by Nigerian youths. That experience did impact the Nigerian youths nationwide, showcasing various political possibilities chief amongst which is the fact that power is never given, power is always taken.
The Nigerian youths are now taking the political gauntlet and are already taking their destiny in their own hands, however only those who are fore and far sighted will lead. Numero uno on that list is Mallam Saliu Mustapha the Turakin Ilorin, a consummate and articulate politician who seemed to have foreseen the power the youth will bring to the table and has thus prepared himself for higher callings.
Saliu Mustapha aspires to lead the APC and with much gusto too, he has volunteered to serve the APC and by extension Nigerian youths whose future begins today. The youths want to be leaders today and take their destinies in their own hands. The Nigerian voting youths constitute about 53.21% of the Nigeria’s population. They form the basis point upon which Saliu Mustapha stands on, the drummers, beating the drums, spurring him on to give hope in a time of despair. Together the youth form a formidable voting syndicate that will be difficult to ignore.
The entire political landscape in Nigeria is drumming support for Saliu Mustapha. Being a stakeholder and an experienced politician since 1999 with no blemish, this is the vector propelling him forward. Those who have crossed his path one way or the other, at one point in life can attest to the fact that he is a goal getter and a workaholic especially with regards to project Nigeria.
But why are Nigerian youths so wrapped up with Saliu Mustapha? He mirrors them in every respect; they see a young man who is able to carry everyone along, a man who never leaves anyone behind. One who is committed as an individual and willing to collectively work with others intellectually across all the geopolitical zones, especially with Party members and Nigerians as a whole, toward the achievement of a better Nigeria, his vision transcend Party politics even though Party will be the instrument for a better Nigeria. He has done it before and he can do it again.
The Nigerian youth see a team leader, one who revels in partnership, a partnership with all Nigerians. One who will place priority on all stakeholders nationwide and make them the centrepiece of a greater Nigeria. Indeed the APC is blessed with the calibre of Mallam Saliu Mustapha.
Mallam Saliu Mustapha is a quintessential and qualitative young man with a zest for excellence. He exudes quality in all ramifications. Thoughtful and productive leadership will form the fulcrum of his reign as National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (by the grace of the Almighty). Transparency is another quality of Saliu Mustapha, he is one who operates an open door policy, a situation where everyone can air their views but allow superior argument to take the day. He has promised Party activities will be open and subject to public oversight.
A man who has provided a “rancour-free” party leadership in the past, firm, disciplined, proactive, fair and transparent leadership is his hallmark. He leads by example and leads from the front. Doing things differently implies rebuilding trust without breaking hearts, healing wounds without bringing the house down, by applying good and smart politics. A man with the impetus to do things differently, he has vowed to tackle the twin monsters of political reforms and values.
Party administration is entirely different from executive administration. A man used to executive administration is used to barking orders, Mallam Saliu Mustapha imbibes Party Administration to the highest echelon. This is the edge he has over other aspirants, he has spent his entire political life in the administration of party politics no wonder his level of discipline and endurance is a reference point. He is a builder who knows how to nurture political neophytes in the noble art of politics. A consummate politician who is clearheaded in all his approach to party matters.
A man who can adopt preventive diplomacy in the running of party affairs, liberalism is a watch word for him, no wonder he has never had an axe to grind with anyone. Well loved and well adored by his peers, he has become the go-to man in times of crisis management.
These are the qualities seen in Mallam Saliu Mustapha that has made the youths to be drumming support for him and we are sure it will end in a victory dance (by the grace of the Almighty).
The APC is indeed blessed with Mallam Saliu Mustapha.

Ikechukwu Mba is a non-partisan political commentator in Enugu.