The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has endorsed the Delta State governorship candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Engr. Isaac Eshor, expressing support for his proposed economic development agenda for the state ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
The endorsement was announced in Abuja during a stakeholders’ engagement attended by youth leaders from across the country, where Eshor presented proposals centred on youth employment, economic diversification and the development of Delta State’s maritime resources.
National President of the NYCN, Comrade Babangida Isah, described Eshor as a leader with the experience and innovative mindset needed to attract investments, create employment opportunities and harness Delta State’s economic potential.
Isah said the council’s position was influenced by the need for competent, accountable and development-oriented leadership capable of translating the state’s resources into sustainable opportunities for young people.
Speaking after the endorsement, Eshor said Delta State had the potential to become a major blue economy centre in Nigeria, citing opportunities in maritime transportation, fisheries, marine logistics, coastal tourism, shipbuilding and other ocean-based industries.
“Delta State has all it takes to become the blue economy capital of Nigeria. We must move beyond dependence on government revenue and fully harness our natural resources to create jobs, wealth and economic opportunities for our people,” Eshor said.
The AAC candidate also criticised what he described as years of missed economic opportunities in the state, arguing that strategic investment in the maritime and coastal sectors could expand Delta’s economy and create employment for residents.
Eshor further challenged the incumbent administration to a public debate on governance, economic development and the future of the state, saying residents should have an opportunity to compare competing ideas and development strategies.
As part of his proposed development agenda, Eshor said he would address electricity challenges through turbine-powered energy systems aimed at providing more reliable power supply across communities.
He also proposed free primary and secondary education and a monthly ₦100,000 allowance for teachers, alongside reforms in the healthcare sector.
On healthcare, Eshor promised to expand access to quality medical services and said key policies of his proposed administration would be backed by legislation to ensure continuity beyond his tenure.
The AAC candidate also placed youth empowerment at the centre of his proposed administration, linking unemployment and economic hardship to some of the social challenges confronting young people.
“When young people are gainfully employed and empowered, communities become safer, stronger and more prosperous,” he said.
The NYCN president also called for greater investment in skills acquisition, entrepreneurship and small and medium-scale enterprises, stressing that youth empowerment should go beyond political appointments.
“Empowering a young person with a skill is far more impactful than offering a temporary political position,” Babangida said.
He highlighted Eshor’s background in marine operations, logistics, entrepreneurship and youth development, saying the experience could align with the economic opportunities available in Delta State.
The endorsement comes as political parties and candidates begin to position themselves ahead of the 2027 Delta State governorship election, with youth employment, economic diversification, infrastructure and investment expected to remain major issues in the political debate.
The NYCN endorsement could add to Eshor’s profile among young voters, although the impact of the development on the wider electorate will ultimately depend on how voters assess the competing candidates and their proposed programmes ahead of the election.
