In a move that underscores his long-standing advocacy for youth inclusion in governance, Abdussamad Dasuki, member of the House of Representatives for Kebbe/Tambuwal Federal Constituency of Sokoto State, has announced that he will not seek re-election in the 2027 general election. Dasuki said his decision was a “personal sacrifice” to allow younger Nigerians to take up leadership roles and drive the country’s democratic renewal.
The lawmaker, who made the announcement in a statement obtained by PUNCH Online on Sunday, said the choice was neither a result of political fatigue nor disenchantment but a deliberate act of conviction. He emphasised that true progress in Nigeria’s democracy requires older politicians to make way for emerging voices and fresh perspectives.
“After due consultation with my team, our leader, my family, and my conscience, I have decided not to seek re-election to the House of Representatives in 2027. This is not born out of fatigue or disillusionment, but a higher calling a decision rooted in belief, in hope, and in a future we all desire to see,” he stated.
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Dasuki, who began his political career in 2011, has served in various capacities, including as a member of the Sokoto State House of Assembly, a member of the State Executive Council, and currently as a federal legislator. His latest decision marks a turning point in a 14-year political journey characterised by calls for reform, transparency, and youth empowerment.
As chairman of The Future Is Now Project, a youth inclusion movement he launched in October 2025, Dasuki has been vocal about the need for at least 70 percent of House of Representatives seats to be occupied by Nigerians under 40 by 2027. His withdrawal from the 2027 race, he said, was an act of alignment with that vision.
“I am still a youth by all standards, but I have crossed the 40-year threshold we proposed. If we are to give meaning to our words, we must be willing to pay a heavy price. This, my dear constituents, is that sacrifice. And so I choose to make space for the vision we proclaimed,” he explained.
Beyond politics, Dasuki’s announcement reflects a growing sentiment among reform-minded leaders that generational transition is crucial for the survival of Nigeria’s democracy. His decision has been interpreted by observers as both symbolic and strategic a challenge to older politicians to actively mentor successors rather than cling to office.
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In his statement, Dasuki expressed deep gratitude to his constituents for their trust and to his political mentor, former Sokoto State Governor and current Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, for his guidance over the years.
“To my constituents, you gave me your trust, and I carried it like a badge of honour. To our youth, I say: no more waiting, no more excuses, no more silence. Take your place. Stand tall. Lead with courage, integrity, and vision,” he urged.
Dasuki pledged to remain active in national development through mentorship, policy research, and youth empowerment initiatives. Stepping away from elective politics, he said, would allow him to focus on building systems that prepare young Nigerians for leadership.
“As I step aside, I wish to bequeath a new legacy in Nigeria’s political history one that showcases leaders who know when to exit, paving the way for a fresher generation,” he concluded.
