NYCN Crisis: Election petition committee upholds Nwaebili’s victory, orders certificate of return

Mercy Iheoma Ihedigbo

Election Petition Committee of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Anambra State Chapter, has nullified the outcome of the council’s state congress held on June 26, 2026, and declared Barrister Nonso Henry Nwaebili as the duly elected State Chairman.

The decision followed the determination of a petition challenging the outcome of the congress and the subsequent declaration of Mr. Ikechukwu Onuorah as the winner of the election.

In its judgment delivered in Awka, the Election Petition Committee set aside the declaration of Onuorah, holding that his emergence could not stand after a careful consideration of the petition and evidence presented before it.

The committee, after reviewing the issues raised in the petition and the evidence adduced during the proceedings, consequently declared Nwaebili, a legal practitioner, former Senior Special Assistant to the Anambra State Governor and youth leader, as the validly elected Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria in Anambra State.

The tribunal further directed the immediate issuance of a Certificate of Return to Nwaebili, paving the way for him to assume office and commence the discharge of his responsibilities without further delay.

The committee expressed optimism that its judgment would bring an end to the dispute arising from the June 26 state congress and restore confidence in the internal democratic processes of the youth council.

The ruling has also generated reactions among supporters of Nwaebili, who described the decision as a victory for justice, due process and the rule of law.

They said the judgment had reaffirmed the importance of allowing democratic institutions to resolve disputes through established procedures, expressing confidence that Nwaebili’s emergence would usher in a new era of inclusive, accountable and visionary leadership for young people across Anambra State.

According to them, the new leadership would be expected to prioritise the interests of youths while promoting initiatives capable of addressing challenges confronting the younger generation, particularly in the areas of employment, entrepreneurship, education, skills acquisition, innovation and leadership development.

The development has also attracted the attention of observers who noted that the tribunal’s decision came at a time when there was growing advocacy for increased youth participation in leadership and governance, both within youth organisations and in the wider political space.

Observers recalled a recent resolution of the Anambra State House of Assembly urging youth organisations operating in the state to comply strictly with the statutory 35-year age limit for aspirants seeking leadership positions.

They argued that strict adherence to the age requirement would create more opportunities for younger people to emerge as leaders and actively participate in decision-making processes affecting their communities and the state.

The stakeholders maintained that youth organisations should serve as platforms for nurturing young leaders and preparing them for greater responsibilities in society, adding that leadership positions within such organisations should reflect the aspirations and realities of the younger generation.

They further expressed the belief that the resolution of the NYCN leadership dispute would enable the council to refocus its attention on issues affecting young people in Anambra State.

They said a stable and legitimate leadership structure would strengthen the council’s ability to advocate for youth-focused policies and programmes while supporting initiatives in youth empowerment, leadership development, innovation, entrepreneurship and community engagement.

With the tribunal’s declaration and the directive for the immediate issuance of a Certificate of Return, attention is now expected to shift towards the transition process and the ability of the new leadership to unite the various interests within the council.

Stakeholders also called on all parties involved in the dispute to respect the decision of the Election Petition Committee and work together in the interest of unity and the development of young people in Anambra State.

They expressed hope that the judgment would mark a fresh beginning for the National Youth Council of Nigeria in the state and provide the platform for a more inclusive and accountable youth leadership capable of effectively representing the interests of young people.