A youth leader and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Zakari Garba Zakari Burra, has formally declared his intention to contest for the position of National Youth Leader of the party ahead of its 2026 National Convention, appealing for prayers and support from party members nationwide.
Burra, who described his aspiration as a call to service rather than personal ambition, said his decision followed “extensive consultations with party stakeholders from the national level down to my ward.”
“I cannot do it alone. I am humbly pleading for your prayers and support as I step forward to serve,” he said.
In a statement obtained by PERISCOPE NIGERIA Burra stressed that his aspiration is driven by a strong passion for youth inclusion in party decision-making, particularly at a time when young Nigerians face limited opportunities to contest and participate actively in politics.
“I am contesting not for personal gain, but because of the deep passion I have for youth inclusion, especially at this critical moment when Nigerian youths are largely sidelined from political leadership,” he stated.
Highlighting his political journey spanning over a decade, Burra said his experience across multiple political platforms positions him to effectively unite young people within the ADC, especially amid ongoing coalition efforts.
“I started this journey decades ago, serving in various capacities, including as National Coordinator, Youth for Ebele Jonathan in 2009; Northeast Zonal Youth Leader of the Atiku Cares Foundation in 2010; National Student Leader for CPC in 2011; Youth Representative during the APC merger in 2014; Director of Youth Mobilisation for the ADC Youth Council in 2021; and House of Representatives candidate in the 2023 election under ADC,” he said.
According to him, his exposure across PDP, CPC, APC, and ADC has equipped him with the experience needed to manage and unify youths from different political backgrounds now converging under the ADC coalition.
“With this background, I can confidently say I have the capacity to unify youths from diverse political affiliations, especially now that coalition politics requires experienced leadership to manage differences and move Nigeria forward,” Burra added.
He pledged to run an inclusive and peaceful youth leadership if elected, emphasizing unity as a core value.
“If given the opportunity to lead ADC youths, we will run a capacitated and unified leadership where unity is our priority and peace remains our only option for success,” he said.
Burra further assured that under his leadership, no segment of the party’s youth structure would be neglected.
“I am offering a leadership movement where nobody will be left behind — from the ward level to the national level. The interests of Nigerian youths will be protected and amplified by the strength of our collective voice,” he said.
Calling on youths to embrace the moment, Burra declared:
“Let us rise with one voice, one purpose, and one future. The time for youth leadership is now.”
