Nasarawa State Government Suspends NYCN Electoral Congress In Compliance With Court Order.
The Nasarawa State Government has announced the suspension of the 2025 Electoral Congress of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Nasarawa State Chapter, originally scheduled for Saturday, May 10. The decision, made in adherence to a court order, underscores the state’s commitment to upholding the rule of law amidst ongoing legal disputes within the youth organisation.
The suspension was confirmed in a statement issued by Dr. Ibrahim Adamu Alhassan, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, on Friday. The move follows an interim injunction issued by a State High Court in Keffi, prompted by an ex-parte motion filed by Muhammad Jaafar Loko, a 43-year-old former factional chairman, and seven others. The plaintiffs challenged the legality of the planned congress, citing procedural irregularities.
In addition, a separate legal challenge is ongoing at the State High Court in Obi, where Comrade Idris Ojoko, a former chairman of the NYCN Nasarawa Chapter, is contesting what he describes as his unlawful removal from office. These disputes have highlighted internal factionalism within the state chapter, which has been a source of contention in recent years.
The state government’s decision comes days after dismissing a petition by Jaafar Mohammed, who sought to halt the congress, claiming his 2022 election granted him a four-year tenure. The government had initially supported a caretaker committee led by Comrade John Solomon Damina, appointed following directives from the NYCN national headquarters to restore unity and leadership. However, the court’s intervention has now paused these efforts pending further legal resolution.
Dr. Alhassan’s statement urged all stakeholders to comply with the court order and maintain peace while the legal proceedings unfold. “The Nasarawa State Government remains committed to fostering youth development and ensuring a transparent and lawful process for the NYCN leadership transition,” he said.
The suspension has sparked varied reactions across the state. Some youth groups have expressed disappointment, citing delays in electing new leadership, while others have praised the government’s respect for judicial processes. The NYCN, established in 1964, serves as the umbrella body for Nigerian youths aged 18 to 35, with the Nasarawa chapter playing a vital role in advocating for youth empowerment and development.
As the legal battles continue, the Nasarawa State Government has called for calm and cooperation among all parties. The outcome of the court cases will likely shape the future of the NYCN in the state, with hopes that a resolution will pave the way for a unified and effective youth council.
