2027: Students seek performance from parties

The National Association of Nigerian Students, Zone A, has said the students will not automatically support any political party or presidential candidate in the 2027 general elections, saying their support must be earned through measurable performance and credible commitments.

The student body also announced plans to establish a 10-member Student Political Performance and Accountability Assessment Committee to assess political leaders and major political platforms on issues affecting students and Nigerian youths.

Addressing a press conference in Kaduna on Saturday, the zonal NANs said the committee would assess education, student financing and welfare, youth employment, campus security, skills development, innovation, entrepreneurship, infrastructure, research and human-capital development.

In attendance at the briefing were the National Vice-President, External Affairs, Sadiq Zango; National Ex-Officio I, Umar Almu; Coordinator, NANS Zone A, Umar Doko; and the Public Relations Officers, NANS Zone A-North-West, Kafilu Banki.

Reading from the text of the conference, Zango said their assessment would be based on evidence, policies, performance and measurable outcomes rather than ethnicity, religion or political affiliation.

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He said, “NANS Zone ‘A’ has not endorsed any presidential candidate or political party for the 2027 general elections.

“Any future position taken by the students’ movement must emerge from proper consultation, evidence-based assessment and the collective interests of Nigerian students. We will not auction the voice of students. We will not mortgage the future of Nigerian youth.”

He urged political parties seeking students’ support to engage them on policies and measurable commitments rather than relying on political mobilisation.

He warned that “no political party should assume that the student vote belongs to it,” adding that “the confidence and support of Nigerian students must be earned.”