Adamawa 2027: Demsa youths endorse James Iliya for Assembly seat

A coalition of youths in Demsa Local Government Area has endorsed James Iliya as their preferred candidate for the Demsa Constituency seat in the Adamawa State House of Assembly ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The endorsement was announced during a well-attended stakeholders’ meeting in Demsa, where youth leaders, community representatives and political mobilisers converged to deliberate on the future of the constituency. The gathering reflects a growing trend of grassroots political engagement among young people seeking to shape leadership outcomes at the local level.

According to the group, the decision followed extensive consultations across wards and communities within the constituency. The youths said the process involved assessing potential aspirants based on their track record, accessibility and perceived commitment to addressing pressing socio-economic challenges.

In a statement issued after the meeting, the youths described Iliya as “a credible and capable choice” with a clear understanding of the needs of the constituency. They highlighted key concerns including rising unemployment, limited access to quality education, poor rural infrastructure and the need for stronger representation at the state legislature.

The group stressed that its endorsement goes beyond symbolic support, noting that it would actively mobilise young voters and engage in advocacy efforts to ensure their preferred candidate emerges during party primaries and the general election. It also pledged to promote issue-based politics and discourage divisive tendencies that could undermine unity within the constituency.

Youth leaders at the meeting emphasised the importance of generational inclusion in governance, arguing that young people must move from the margins to the centre of decision-making processes. They noted that Demsa, like many constituencies in Adamawa, has a significant youth population whose interests must be adequately represented in policy formulation and legislative action.

The endorsement comes at a time when political activities are gradually intensifying across Adamawa State, with aspirants and interest groups beginning early alignments ahead of 2027. Analysts say youth-driven endorsements could play a crucial role in shaping the dynamics of party primaries, particularly in constituencies where grassroots mobilisation often determines electoral success.