APC defends Youth Leader, insists he’s not over-aged

By Umar Muhammad Puma

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has challenged the ruling People Democratic Party (PDP) to come forward with any evidence it has to prove  that its National Youth Leader, Alhaji Ibrahim Jalo Waziri, is older than the 43 years he claimed.

Reacting to the matter in an interview yesterday, the APC National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, insisted that the Waziri was born in April 21, 1971.

“The National Youth Leader of APC Alhaji Ibrahim Jalo was born on April 21, 1971. We challenge anybody who has contrary information to come forward. All we have heard was that he contested for the House of Representatives in 2011. The father of Jalo is alive. We also have his birth certificate.

“Secondly, as of the time Jalo went for screening, there was no age limit for the position of National Youth Leader. The amendment was made on the floor of our last National Convention which came after he had been screened and cleared to contest for the position,” he clarified.

The party said it will not be ashamed to apologise to Nigerians if it later find out that the party has been misled, adding that up till now, nobody has come forward with any contrary information as regards its national leader’s age.

Jalo, had been accused of claiming a false age contrary to his real age, which the ruling PDP put at 52 years against the 43 years he claimed.

Meanwhile, youths in their numbers, wearing T-shirts with the youth leader’s photograph have  protested any move to reverse his election.  The youths, for some time yesterday partially disrupted the inauguration programme as two different groups, suspected to be supporters of the Youth Leader, clashed.

 The event slated for 11am however began around 11: 40am when the Organizing Secretary of the party, Osita Izunaso, announced to the protesters that the national leaders understood their grievances, assuring them that the matter has been resolved.

“We are very open and transparent on this matter. We would not be ashamed to apologise to Nigerians if we find out that we have been misled. So far, nobody has come forward with any contrary information,” Izunaso said.

Recall the PDP had earlier in a statement accused the APC of violating its constitution by electing a 52 year old as youth leader but the APC leadership disputed the claim.