The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Sokoto State has launched a grassroots mobilisation campaign aimed at increasing youth participation in democratic governance and promoting what it described as “true democracy” across the state.
The initiative was unveiled on Sunday in Sokoto by the party’s governorship aspirant, Alhaji Shamsudeen Aliyu, who said the drive was designed to educate Nigerians especially young people on the existence of viable political alternatives beyond the dominant parties.
According to him, the campaign seeks to encourage youths to become advocates of good governance while supporting efforts to expand democratic choices in the country.
“We focus on youth to be advocates of good governance, rallying support for NDC, for citizens to break free from a long-standing two-party cage,” Aliyu said.
He argued that Nigerians have often been conditioned to believe that only two major political parties exist, despite the country having more than 50 registered parties offering different political platforms and ideologies.
“We used to live in a system where people believed there are only two options, ruling party or opposition.
“But Nigeria has more than 50 registered political parties. People deserve real choices, ” he said.
Aliyu also acknowledged that his political group had previously been aligned with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), but defended his decision to switch allegiance, describing it as a matter of political conviction and ideological alignment.
“Politics is about choice; when your ideology no longer aligns with a party’s direction, you have the right to move,” he added.
He said the decision to join the NDC was driven by concerns about leadership direction, insisting that the new platform better reflects his vision for governance and citizen participation.
The aspirant stressed that the campaign would focus heavily on youth empowerment and political education, warning young people against being used as instruments of violence during elections.
“Our message is simple: be liberated,” he said. “Don’t allow yourselves to be used as political hooligans. Your vote is your power; use it to choose leaders that truly represent you.”
Aliyu further explained that the mobilisation effort would extend across local government areas, youth organisations, and community-based associations in Sokoto State.
He expressed optimism that increased political awareness among young Nigerians would strengthen accountability and widen democratic participation ahead of future elections.
The event attracted politicians, youth groups, and local mobilisers from across the state.
