APC South-South Youth writes open letter to NEC, National Caucus over neglect, poor treatments 

By Peters Monday, Abuja

The All Progressives Congress, APC South South youth council has expressed disappointment over what it described as outright neglect and abandonment by the APC National Caucus and National Executive Committee (APC NEC).

This was contained in a statement signed on behalf of the youths by its national coordinator Comr Preye V. Tambou on Thursday.

The youths explained that they were compelled to express the deep-seated frustrations and disappointments of the youth wing of the party. According to them, it has become painfully evident that the party had abandoned the youth wing, despite their unwavering commitment, loyalty, and sacrifices in the party.

The statement said, “As the APC National Caucus and National Executive Committee (APC NEC) convene to chart the party’s future course today, I am compelled to express the deep-seated frustrations and disappointments of our members. It has become painfully evident that the party has abandoned us, neglecting our unwavering commitment, loyalty, and sacrifices.

“Despite our tireless efforts to promote the party’s interests, we have been consistently disregarded, undermined, and disrespected by our leaders and party. Our contributions to the party’s growth and success have been ignored, and our voices have been silenced. It is disheartening to see that our loyalty and dedication have not been reciprocated.

“The party’s leadership has failed to provide us with the necessary support and empowerment, leaving us to struggle and fend for ourselves. We have been denied opportunities for growth and development, and our welfare has been neglected. It is unacceptable that we, the very people who have worked tirelessly to build and sustain the party, have been treated with such disdain and disregard.

“It is appalling that the party and her leaders have chosen to empower those who have worked against us, rather than recognizing and rewarding our own efforts and sacrifices. This is a clear indication that our loyalty and commitment are not valued and that our contributions are not appreciated.

“On behalf of the members of the APC South South Youth Council (APC SSYC), I urge the party’s leadership to take immediate action to address our grievances. We demand that our commitment, loyalty, and sacrifices be recognized and respected. We expect the party to provide us with the necessary support and empowerment and to ensure that our welfare is prioritized.

“OUR RECOMMENDATIONS

1. Empower Loyal Members: Prioritize empowering long-standing members who have remained committed despite challenges and strengthen party structures and support groups.

2. End Imposition of Candidates: Cease imposing candidates, and instead, adopt a more inclusive approach that allows party members to have a voice.

3. Empower Existing Members: Focus on empowering current members rather than trying to attract new ones. This will create a positive impact that will naturally attract new members.

4. Value Grassroots Efforts: Recognize and appreciate the efforts and sacrifices of grassroots members, who have been neglected for too long.

5. Address Suffering and Poverty Among Party Members: Acknowledge the suffering and poverty among party members and work to provide tangible support, such as appointments, contracts, jobs, and empowerment programs.

6. Reward Loyal Youths: Implement a fair reward system for APC youths who have worked tirelessly for the party.

7. Foster Collaboration: Encourage ministers, agencies, and politicians to work closely with the APC Youth group to address their concerns.

These recommendations, coming from the National Coordinator, South South Youth Council (APC SSYC), emphasize the need for the party and her leaders to prioritize its loyal members, value their contributions, and address their suffering and poverty. By doing so, the party can regain the trust and loyalty of its members and create a more inclusive and supportive environment.

If our concerns are not addressed, we fear that the party will continue to lose the trust and loyalty of its members. We cannot continue to be treated as insignificant and unimportant”.