The ‘Not Too Young To Run’ movement has dissociated itself from the
formal declaration by Bukola Saraki to run for president on the platform
of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
Saraki had declared his intention at an event organised by the group on Thursday at the Sheraton hotel, Abuja.
The group in a statement by its convener, Samson Itodo said it was
disappointed by Saraki’s use of its programme to declare his intention.
The statement read: “As part of efforts to promote youth candidacy
and democratic party primaries, the Not Too Young To Run movement
commenced a series of public town hall meetings with the leadership of
political parties and young aspirants to address the challenges faced by
young aspirants in securing party tickets.
“The movement scheduled three town hall meetings with the leadership
of the All Progressive Congress (APC); Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)
and other parties. The first dialogue held today August 30, 2018 in
Abuja with the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The
event had in attendance the Chairman of the party Mr. Uche Secondus;
Senator Bukola Saraki, Hon. Udeh Okoye, National Youth Leader of the
party. The event also was attended by young aspirants registered under
the Ready To Run platform.
“The young aspirants advocated for a reduction in the cost of party
nomination forms and requested the party to uphold internal democracy in
the conduct of party primaries. In his response, the Chairman of the
PDP assured the young aspirants of their support for youth candidacy in
the forthcoming primaries.
“Whilst addressing participants at the town hall, Senator Saraki
declared his intention to run for the office of the President in the
2019 elections. The movement wishes to express its disappointment with
Senator Saraki for usurping a platform designed for young aspirants to
dialogue with party leadership to advance his personal political
ambition. We strongly condemn this act by the President of the Senate
and dissociates ourselves from this political move.
“As noted earlier, the movement reaffirms its identity as a
non-partisan citizen led movement dedicated to the defense democracy,
political inclusion and transformative leadership. The movement restates
its commitment to sustain its engagement with political parties to
ensure youth candidacy and democratic party primaries.”