The Not Too Young To Run movement has distanced itself from
the Senate President Bukola Saraki’s declaration to join the presidential race.
The group, in a statement signed by Samson Itodo, said it
had only invited Saraki and other chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party to
a town hall meeting as part of efforts to ensure that youths are given some
concessions ahead of the 2019 general elections.
It said it was shocked when Saraki seized the opportunity to
declare his presidential bid, thereby compromising the event.
The statement read in part, “Whilst addressing participants
at the town hall meeting, 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.”
“The movement restates its commitment to sustain its
engagement with political parties to ensure youth candidacy and democratic
party primaries,” the statement continued; adding, “As noted earlier, the
movement reaffirms its identity as a non-partisan citizen-led movement
dedicated to the defence of democracy, political inclusion and transforming
leadership.”
According to the group, the young aspirants advocated a
reduction in the cost of party nomination forms and requested the party to
uphold internal democracy in the conduct of party primaries,” the statement
added.
