Crisis Hits APC Youth Wing as 36 States, FCT Leaders Reject Party’s National Youth Leader

The APC State Youth Leaders’ Forum has passed a vote of no confidence on National Youth Leader Dayo Israel, accusing him of sidelining state leaders and undermining grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The forum made its position known in a communiqué dated October 26, 2026, addressed to the party’s National Chairman at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja.

The group, comprising youth leaders from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, said its decision followed a review of Israel’s leadership style and activities.

It accused him of running the party’s youth wing without adequate consultation, organising programmes across states without involving their elected youth leaders and adopting what it described as selective treatment of members.

The forum also alleged that Israel had failed to develop an actionable plan incorporating state youth leaders into the party’s electoral preparations, particularly under Pillar 9 of the Election Readiness Framework.

According to the communiqué, the National Youth Leader had also failed to convene regular meetings to discuss youth mobilisation, strategy and welfare.

The forum warned that the alleged exclusion of state youth structures could weaken the APC’s mobilisation capacity ahead of the 2027 elections, when young voters are expected to be a significant constituency.

The youth leaders also demanded an apology within 24 hours over allegations that Israel had distributed cars to state youth leaders.

“We demand an apology from Dayo Israel within 24 hours for false accusations of distributing cars to State Youth Leaders or we shall be forced to go to the press,” the communiqué stated.

The group further declared that its members had not received any vehicles from Israel or his associates.

As part of its resolutions, the forum called on the APC National Chairman and the National Working Committee (NWC) to intervene urgently and address the dispute in the interest of party unity.

It also demanded an immediate, inclusive meeting of all state youth leaders to develop fresh strategies for mobilising young voters ahead of the elections.

The communiqué warned that the forum could withdraw its participation from activities coordinated by Israel’s office if its grievances were not addressed.

“We disassociate ourselves from any activities of Dayo Israel and we urge the National Chairman and National Working Committee to deal with us directly,” it stated.

Despite its grievances, the forum reaffirmed its loyalty to the APC National Chairman, the NWC, President Bola Tinubu and the party.