The ‘Not Too Young To Run’ movement has dissociated itself from the formal declaration by Bukola Saraki to run for president on the platform of the opposition party, PDP.

Mr Saraki, the senate president, formally made his intention known at an event organised by the group on Thursday in Abuja.

The group, which champions youth participation in politics, said it was disappointed by Mr Saraki’s decision as its apolitical programme was not meant for such.

“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 and dissociates ourselves from this political move,” the movement said in a statement sent to PREMIUM TIMES by its convener, Samson Itodo.

Read the full statement below.

Not Too Young To Run Campaigners Distance Movement From Saraki’s Declaration

As part of efforts to promote youth candidacy and democratic party primaries, the Not Too Young To Run movement commenced a series of public town hall meetings with the leadership of political parties and young aspirants to address the challenges faced by young aspirants in securing party tickets. The movement scheduled three town hall meetings with the leadership of the All Progressive Congress (APC); People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and other parties. The first dialogue held today August 30, 2018 in Abuja with the leadership of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). The event had in attendance the Chairman of the party Mr. Uche Secondus; Senator Bukola Saraki, Hon. Udeh Okoye, National Youth Leader of the party. The event also was attended by young aspirants registered under the Ready To Run platform.

The young aspirants advocated for a reduction in the cost of party nomination forms and requested the party to uphold internal democracy in the conduct of party primaries. In his response, the Chairman of the PDP assured the young aspirants of their support for youth candidacy in the forthcoming primaries.

Whilst addressing participants at the town hall, 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 and dissociates ourselves from this political move.

As noted earlier, the movement reaffirms its identity as a non-partisan citizen led movement dedicated to the defense democracy, political inclusion and transformative leadership. The movement restates its commitment to sustain its engagement with political parties to ensure youth candidacy and democratic party primaries.

https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/281930-2019-not-too-young-to-run-condemns-sarakis-declaration-dissociates-self.html

Hm. What can i say? Damage control. Buhari, apart from signing that NTYTR bill, had to strategically joke with the youths to please begin their campaign after 2019. Bukola, the other hand, knows the basic rule of politics: first come, first serve. He invited the youth to dinner and ended up eating all the food. Deceit is not nobility guys. I am just glad that the youth are strong enough to speak against his move. It means there's hope for us to bring our country to the table of greatness. Soon hopefully.

Modified
man! Two FCT in one week. FCT has nothin' on me. Ok, since there's no real value to this overhyped FTC thing, i don hang my boot. But i will just have to say one thing since i have your attention now. Please, for the sakes of our children's children, let's save our country. We can do it but only TOGETHER. Let's stand by the truth and the right, regardless of sentiments and favour. When they say Nigeria is blessed, it is not because of the minerals and land, it is because of YOU. Yes, you. God bless your good effort and God bless Nigeria. I hereby hang my quest for FTC until i hear Seun now gives Iphone xvi to anyone with FTC, be sure to find me at the frontline of this race.

Hahahah

I thought "not too young to run" was a bill passed by the national assembly? how come they are now issuing statement? miyetti Allah used to be an umbrella which cattle owners in Nigeria assemble, but lately they began issuing statements as well. in this Buhari's funny regime, everyone is currently issuing statements including some charlatans. if Saraki is destined to be president, it must certainly come to pass. some lifeless statements cannot stop it.

this news is so incoherent and lacks merits of good journalism

Almost everyone in PDP wants be the president. And this party happens to be the so called Messiah to the economical woes we find our dear country as it stands.
Every individual in the party aspiring for the presidential position is a Machiavelli with personal and permanent interest.
God help our dear country.

Saraki is not the choice, I am the choice

fight don start

Shame on Saraki, he thinks Nigerian youth gives a damn about him. Nigerian youths and the not too young to rule guys, stand with Baba Buhari.

The youths seems not to be ready for leadership positions.

Like for Buhari, Share for Saraki.

Good move

hahaha..

saraki the chief looter of the federation

PACT was a stress test of the ability of the concerned candidates to:
1. Negotiate & set objectives
2. Build consensus
3. Manage dissent
4. Keep their word
5. Sacrifice their ego
The 'alternatives' failed this simple test. They are NOT ready to lead.
N:B PACT is a coalition of young presidential candidates

This is getting more interesting day by day.

Saraki the fox

My fellow Igbo's, let's not be deceived by wolves in sheeps clothing who disguise themselves as Lovers of Igbo's just to lure us with fake promises and eventually dump us on attaining power

Since when did Atiku become a supporter of the Igbo course
Is Markafi a lover of Igbo's
What of Kwankwaso and Saraki, do they give a damn about Igbo's

Umunnem let us shine our eyes this time. We made dat mistake in 2015, we can't afford to make it again.
Let us come together and support BUHARI's second term bid so that Igbo will produce next President in 2023.
Maka onye fe eze, eze erute ya aka

Meanwhile Sai baba till 2023

No safe place for serial traitor.

Not too young to run.Ok

Chai

He should come out clear and tell us its the ipob youth that are behind him.

Good one!


Counting himself as a youth after looting the present and future of Kwara state

Saraki is a terrible liar and a thief
Only stupid people support Saraki .

Primaries would be tough for PDP

Nothing is wrong in his declaration. Most politicians in the country have their hands soiled. All without an exception.

all am seeing is blah blah blah

Watch the moment SARAKI declared.....



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2JbWetgksA

That is Saraki for you. He has resorted to all manners of lies and gimmicks in order to further his inordinate political ambitions; thinking Nigerians are fools...

Mesujamba will always exhibit his traits everywhere he goes.

Saraki think Nigerian youths are all averagely dull like Kwara youths