By Emmanuel Oloniruha
Abuja – The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Thursday, urged youths in its ranks to mobilise their peers for the party.
The National Youth Leader of the party, Mr Udeh Okoye, made the call when he met with the party’s youth leaders in states and geopolitical zones, at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja.
“I charge you all to embark on a vigorous social media campaign and party membership drive.
“Please bear in mind that another key area is the capture of nonpartisan or undecided Nigerian youths, through sensitisation, mobilisation and galvanisation.
“Therefore, it is imperative we educate our constituencies to get their Permanent Voter Card (PVCs).
“In accordance with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) guideline as stipulated in the election timetable, we will be embarking on states, zones and nationwide retreats to charge our youth leaders to go on grassroots mobilisation campaigns.
“It is important to take into cognisance the fact that it is our victory at the polls in 2019 that will set our country on right track of economy recovery which will guarantee job creation, security, and viable environment for the growth of collective interest as Nigerian youths.’’
Okoye said it was the responsibility of party members, especially the youths, to educate their peers on the need to vote for PDP and to secure their votes.
He also charged them to use every legitimate means to confront all propagandas and disinformation about PDP.
The PDP Deputy National Chairman South, Mr Yemi Akinwunmi, said that the revival, salvation and renaissance of the PDP were in the hands of the youth.
He pledged the party’s leadership support for the youth saying they would be given special attention and back up with every action needed.
Akinwunmi said if PDP was able to manage the youths well, it would make the process of regaining power for the party in 2019 easy.
“Research has shown that the people in the age bracket of 18 to 40 are very active electorally. We have all learned our lessons the hard way. We must do everything to return the PDP to power.’’
He charged the youth members of the party to dominate the internet and utilise it for the PDP to regain power.
The PDP Deputy National Secretary, Mr Emmanuel Agbo, said the party needed men who would go to the grassroots to work for it.
“Special time requires special people and special task.
“The special time that we are now does not require leaders but men and women who will go to the grassroots and work for PDP.”
Agbo added that PDP could not afford to take the youth, which constitutes 75 per cent of the voting strength for granted if it must win the next general elections. (NAN)