APC chieftain and Executive Director of Patriots for the Advancement of Peace and Social Development, Sani Shinkafi, has said Nigeria’s political parties should create more opportunities for younger leaders to seek elective office.
Speaking during an interview on TVC News on Monday, July 6, 2026, Shinkafi argued that while experience remains valuable in politics, age should also be considered in discussions about national leadership.
“You can’t be 79 or 80 years old and still be struggling to become president,” he said while commenting on former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s repeated presidential bids and the political landscape ahead of the 2027 general election.
Shinkafi maintained that Nigeria needs leaders capable of addressing the country’s economic, security and governance challenges, adding that political parties should continue to nurture younger politicians while drawing on the experience of older statesmen.
He also expressed confidence that the APC would remain competitive in the 2027 general election, citing the party’s political structure, ongoing government programmes and grassroots support as key advantages.
Shinkafi urged political parties to focus on issue-based campaigns and allow Nigerians to assess candidates based on their vision, competence and ability to tackle the nation’s challenges.
