By Tgnews Reporter
The Youth Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (YOWICAN) in Adamawa State has issued a stern warning that the growing practice of candidate imposition by political parties is steadily destroying Nigeria’s democratic foundations and must be stopped immediately.
In a strongly worded press release dated May 7, 2026, and signed by Rev. Dr. Gabriel L. Shall, YOWICAN Chairman in Adamawa State, the group threw its weight behind the recent position of the Northern Christian Association of Nigeria (NCAN) Youth Wing led by Evang. Dedan Clifford JP.
The Adamawa chapter described the trend as a “direct assault on democracy” orchestrated by powerful political godfathers who force unpopular candidates on party members under the guise of “consensus.”
“Consensus without transparency, consultation, fairness, and voluntary agreement is nothing but political dictatorship,” the statement declared.
YOWICAN Adamawa warned that this undemocratic practice continues to silence genuine party members, suppress credible aspirants, and frustrate young people with genuine leadership potential.
By sacrificing competence on the altar of loyalty to political cabals, the group said, parties are producing leaders who lack legitimacy, resulting in poor governance, rising corruption, deepening voter apathy, and widespread loss of public trust in democratic institutions.
“Nigeria’s democracy cannot grow where a handful of powerful individuals decide the fate of millions behind closed doors,” the release stressed.
The youth body demanded an immediate end to all forms of candidate imposition across political parties and called for transparent, free, and fair primaries that give every aspirant a genuine opportunity to contest.
It also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to strictly enforce the Electoral Act and demanded that all political stakeholders respect internal democracy as the foundation for credible leadership.
In a passionate appeal, YOWICAN charged Christian youths and Nigerian youths in general not to abandon the political space to selfish politicians.
Instead, young people must rise above complaints, actively join parties, and participate robustly to rescue the nation from manipulation and mediocrity.
The statement further cautioned that if political parties persist in suppressing internal democracy, they will continue to produce leaders devoid of public trust and accountability, putting the nation’s democratic future at serious risk.
All Coordinators of YOWICAN across the 21 Local Government Areas of Adamawa State have been directed to circulate the position widely and engage relevant stakeholders on the urgent need to defend democratic values.
This latest intervention from Adamawa reinforces growing youth discontent with elite-controlled politics and signals a rising demand for genuine internal democracy ahead of future elections.
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