A coalition of Northern youth groups has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to replace Dr. Abdullahi Yilwatda as Chairman of a key federal board, urging the appointment of Alhaji Salisu Ja’oji instead, whom they described as a more experienced and widely acceptable candidate.
In a statement jointly signed by the Arewa Youth Vanguard, Northern Youth Democratic Forum, and the Unified Youth Voice of the North, the groups claimed that Yilwatda’s appointment had sparked growing discontent across several northern states due to what they described as “a lack of grassroots connection, political baggage, and elitist arrogance.”
>We respect Dr. Yilwatda, but the reality is that he lacks the mass appeal and political depth required to drive inclusive leadership at the federal level. President Tinubu must listen to the voice of the people and act swiftly to correct this misstep,” the statement read.
The groups argued that Alhaji Salisu Ja’oji, a veteran political strategist and grassroots mobilizer, would bring credibility, youth support, and regional balance to the leadership structure of the agency in question—though the specific board or agency was not named in their release.
They further accused unnamed political figures of imposing Yilwatda without consultation, claiming his selection undermines the principles of fairness and internal democracy Tinubu promised to uphold.
>We, the youth of the North, cannot continue to be ignored in decisions that affect us directly. Ja’oji represents hope, loyalty, and integrity. He has paid his dues and deserves a chance to serve,” said Ibrahim Dauda, convener of the Unified Youth Voice of the North.
Although the Presidency is yet to respond formally to the call, sources within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) suggest that lobbying over federal board appointments remains ongoing, with multiple interest blocs jostling for influence.
Political observers note that the open demand to replace Yilwatda could be a sign of deeper internal tensions within the North’s political structure, especially as the race for political appointments heats up ahead of Tinubu’s expected cabinet reshuffle later this year.
