Youth Group Condemns “Coordinated Smear Campaign” Against Minister Ayodele Wisdom
The National Youth Vanguard of Nigeria has strongly condemned what it described as an orchestrated campaign of calumny against the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Wisdom, accusing certain social media actors allegedly linked to the Obidient Movement of attempting to malign his reputation, over his involvement in the activities of the City Boy Movement, a pressure group of young people, supporting President Bola Tinubu.
In a press statement issued on Wednesday and signed by Comrade Imagwe Roland, the group said the sustained online attacks on the Minister over his involvement in the City Boy Movement were “baseless, politically motivated, and designed to distract from his impactful leadership in the youth sector.”
The Vanguard noted that Comrade Wisdom has long-standing credentials as a youth advocate and political mobilizer, tracing his antecedents within the All Progressives Congress (APC), where he played pivotal roles in organizing and strengthening youth structures across the country. According to the statement, his contributions to youth engagement within the party earned him national recognition prior to his appointment by President Bola Tinubu as Minister of Youth Development.
Highlighting his stewardship, the group pointed to a series of initiatives introduced under his leadership, including expanded youth empowerment programmes, increased stakeholder consultations, and strategic engagements aimed at addressing unemployment, entrepreneurship, and civic participation among Nigerian youths. The statement emphasized that the Minister has remained accessible and proactive in fostering dialogue with young people nationwide.
The Vanguard further argued that holding public office does not strip any individual of their fundamental political rights, noting that the Minister’s association with the City Boy Movement is both lawful and consistent with democratic principles.
“It is entirely within his constitutional rights to identify with and participate in political movements that align with his beliefs,” the statement read. “The City Boy Movement is a legitimate platform driven by young Nigerians to promote the policies and achievements of the Tinubu administration.”
The group alleged that the attacks on the Minister are indirectly aimed at undermining the administration of President Tinubu, adding that “those behind these campaigns are merely seeking relevance by targeting visible figures within government.”
Reaffirming its support, the National Youth Vanguard expressed confidence in the Minister’s leadership, describing him as “a dependable voice for Nigerian youth and a committed public servant.”
“We stand firmly with Comrade Ayodele Wisdom and will continue to support his efforts in advancing youth development across Nigeria,” the statement concluded.
