By Our Reporter

The leadership dispute within the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Nasarawa State Chapter, has taken a fresh turn following the rejection of a purported youth summit scheduled to hold in Akwanga on Wednesday.

Concerned elected officials of the NYCN, alongside civil society organisations in the state, said the proposed gathering was not authorised by the duly elected leadership of the council.

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The event, according to information contained in their public notice, is scheduled for August 12, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Ri-Seingon Luxury Hotel, Akwanga, and is allegedly being championed by Solomon Damina.

The group called on the public, security agencies, government institutions and corporate bodies to disregard the event, insisting that Damina lacks the mandate to organise an official NYCN programme in the state.

Group Cites Election, Court Order

The concerned officials said the controversy over the leadership of the council originated from developments following a democratic election conducted in Wamba.

They claimed that the elected leadership emerged from the exercise but alleged that Solomon Damina was subsequently appointed caretaker chairman approximately one year after the election.

According to the statement, the appointment was made by the then national president of NYCN, Amb. Sokubo Sera-Igbe Sokubo.

The group further alleged that the caretaker arrangement was subsequently supported administratively by the then Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Dr. Ibrahim Adamu Alhassan.

The signatories described the development as unconstitutional and said it had contributed to the prolonged leadership dispute.

Jaafar Loko Named as Elected Leader

The group identified Comrade Jaafar Muhammad Loko as the leader of the elected NYCN Nasarawa State Chapter.
It also claimed that the legitimacy of the elected leadership had been affirmed by an order of a competent High Court.

The statement did not provide the details or case number of the court order, but said the judicial position should guide stakeholders in handling the leadership dispute.

Commissioner Accused of Fueling Dispute

The group also made allegations against the Nasarawa State Commissioner of Youth and Sports, accusing the official of supporting actions that undermine the elected NYCN leadership.

The statement alleged that the commissioner’s position was contributing to the continuation of the crisis.

However, the allegations were contained in the public statement issued by the concerned NYCN officials and CSOs, and no response from the commissioner was included.

Appeal to Governor Sule

The group appealed to Governor Abdullahi A. Sule to intervene in the matter and ensure that the dispute does not degenerate into confrontation among youths in the state.

According to the statement, court proceedings relating to the leadership dispute are ongoing.

The signatories said the governor had previously attempted to facilitate reconciliation but alleged that the process was facing resistance.

They urged the governor to engage the relevant parties and ensure that the rule of law guides the resolution of the dispute.

Security Agencies Put on Notice
The group also called on security agencies to take note of the proposed gathering and actions surrounding the NYCN leadership dispute.

It warned that unauthorised activities carried out in the name of the council could create confusion and tension among youths.

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The statement urged government ministries, departments and agencies, corporate organisations and members of the public not to endorse or participate in the purported summit.

The group maintained that the youths of Nasarawa State remained committed to peaceful engagement and the rule of law.