Africa-Press – Nigeria. Newly elected President of the Middle-Belt Youth Congress (MYC), Comrade Obande Gideon Obande, has declared that the 2027 general elections will mark a decisive shift in political engagement across the region, warning that “it will not be business as usual.”
Obande made this known during his acceptance speech after emerging as President of the Congress for a four-year term at an elective congress held in Abuja.
Addressing delegates and stakeholders, he stressed that Middle-Belt youths are ready to redefine their role in Nigeria’s political terrain.
“The 2027 election will not be business as usual. Middle-Belt youths will no longer be passive observers. We will organise, mobilise, and ensure that our voices are heard and respected,” he said.
Obande, in his remarks, emphasised unity as the cornerstone of his administration, pledging to prioritise the collective interest of the region above personal ambitions.
“I will place the interest of the Middle-Belt above all else. This mandate is not about me; it is a call to serve, to unite our people, and to advance an agenda that reflects the true aspirations of our region,” he stated.
He further highlighted the need for purposeful and strategic leadership to confront the region’s challenges, including political marginalisation, insecurity, and underdevelopment.
“We must move beyond rhetoric to action. Our youths deserve inclusion, opportunities, and a future that is secure. We will engage institutions, build alliances, and demand accountability at all levels,” Obande added.
The new MYC President also signalled a more assertive approach to political participation, noting that the Congress under his leadership would push for increased representation of Middle-Belt youths in governance.
“We are entering a new phase where our participation in decision-making will no longer be negotiable. The time has come for the Middle-Belt to speak with one voice and act with one purpose,” he said.
Obande, a former student union leader and immediate past president of the Ochetoha K’Idoma Youth Wing, is widely regarded as a consistent advocate of the Middle-Belt agenda.
For More News And Analysis About Nigeria Follow Africa-Press
