Nigerian cleric Primate Elijah Ayodele has expressed concern over what he described as emerging political tensions in northern Nigeria, warning that growing dissatisfaction among young people in the region could potentially lead to public demonstrations against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) if urgent steps are not taken.
In a statement issued to journalists, Ayodele said indications suggest rising frustration among northern youths, which he believes may soon translate into organised protests.
He linked the development to broader grievances surrounding governance, economic hardship, and perceived political dissatisfaction.
According to him, “The northern youth are planning to start protests, and they may not allow APC to operate freely if urgent steps are not taken.”
The cleric urged political leaders at both national and regional levels to respond swiftly to the concerns of young people, stressing that failure to address their grievances could deepen tensions.
He called for increased engagement, dialogue, and inclusive governance as key tools for preventing unrest.
Ayodele’s warning comes at a time when political activities and consultations are gradually intensifying across the country ahead of future elections.
Political parties are already making moves to strengthen their influence in various regions, with the northern part of Nigeria remaining a critical electoral stronghold due to its large voting population and historical impact on national outcomes.
In recent years, youth participation in political and civic activities has increased significantly, driven largely by issues such as unemployment, inflation, insecurity, and dissatisfaction with governance structures.
While protests and public demonstrations remain constitutionally protected forms of expression, analysts have consistently stressed the importance of ensuring that such activities remain peaceful and well-coordinated to avoid escalation.
The cleric also called on security agencies to remain vigilant while upholding the constitutional rights of citizens to peaceful assembly and expression.
He cautioned that mishandling public grievances or suppressing legitimate concerns could worsen tensions and potentially threaten national stability.
“There is a need for careful handling of this situation,” he said, adding that government authorities must pay close attention to public sentiment and act decisively to prevent avoidable unrest…See More
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