The Emerging Leaders Forum of Nigeria (ELFON), representing major youth bodies including the Arewa Youth Movement, Ohaneze Youth Federation, Oduduwa Youth Parliament, National Association of Nigerian Students, Niger Delta Youth Front, and Middle Belt Youth Forum, held a press conference in Abuja today to address pressing national issues.
The statement was read by Hon. Godstime Chukwubuikem Samuel, ELFON President, who spoke on behalf of the youth leadership. He emphasised that the forum stands firmly against foreign military intervention and any political distractions that threaten Nigeria’s stability.
The forum spoke out against recent remarks by former US President Donald Trump, who reportedly called for military intervention in Nigeria. ELFON urged President Trump to adopt dialogue and respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty if he genuinely seeks to assist the country in combating insecurity.
“We are firmly against any form of military invasion in our country. We advise that President Trump liaises with our President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on the best ways to support our military in the fight against terrorism, banditry, and other social vices,” the forum stated. “Nigeria is a sovereign nation and capable of addressing its own challenges.”
ELFON also raised concerns over digital campaigns allegedly targeting key allies of President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections. According to ELFON, intelligence reports indicate a late-night meeting in Abuja involving opposition party leaders and representatives of a group called Generation Nigeria. The meeting reportedly focused on strategies to undermine President Tinubu’s re-election bid, including plans to damage the reputations of influential political figures.
Among those allegedly targeted were the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, Minister of State Defence, Bello Matawalle, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, former Governor of Borno State Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, former Speaker of the House of Representatives Yakubu Dogara, and former Governor of Delta State James Ibori.
ELFON warned that any attempt to distract or destabilize the government would be met with firm resistance from citizens. The forum further called on security agencies to prosecute sponsors of terrorism and banditry in Nigeria without delay.
In addition, ELFON encouraged the federal government to establish a Youth Directorate across all regional development commissions to strengthen youth development initiatives nationwide.
