The All Progressives Congress (APC) Youth Consultative Forum has strongly criticized First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu over recent public comments regarding the disputed Delta North Senatorial primary election.
The controversy stems from remarks made by the First Lady on Wednesday during the inauguration of the “Tinubu Torchbearers” in Abuja.
In her address, Senator Tinubu reportedly referred to Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa as a former Senator seeking re-election to become a ranking member.
This comment has drawn sharp ire from party youths, as the National Working Committee (NWC) of the APC has not yet officially resolved the primary dispute or declared a winner between the two main contenders, Dr. Okowa and the incumbent Senator Ned Nwoko.
Reacting to the development, Comrade Emeka Okechukwu, National President of the APC Youth Consultative Forum, issued a statement in Abuja condemning the First Lady’s remarks as divisive and prejudicial.
”We strongly and unequivocally condemn the remarks reportedly made by the First Lady concerning Dr. Okowa,” Okechukwu stated.
“The choice of words falls short of the neutrality, fairness, and statesmanship expected of a national figure who represents all Nigerians, regardless of political affiliation.”
The youth group argued that the First Lady’s comments create an impression of an official endorsement, which has alienated party members and stakeholders who expect fair play.
The Forum urged Senator Tinubu and other top APC leaders to maintain strict impartiality to avoid deepening internal party divisions.
”Democracy thrives on fairness, equity, and the free choice of the people, not on perceived endorsements from influential public officials,” the statement read.
Furthermore, the Forum warned that handing the Delta North ticket to Dr. Okowa would be a “grave political miscalculation and suicidal” for the APC, claiming that grassroots supporters are weary of his long-standing political dominance.
While clarifying that they remain fully supportive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the youth group cautioned that ignoring the genuine grievances of grassroots members could lead to severe electoral consequences, including the alienation of a significant segment of the party’s base in Delta North
