A new survey by South East Youth for Progressives (SEY4P) has identified political marginalisation, economic hardship, and negative public perception as the major factors driving anti-APC sentiment among young people in the South-East.
The study, conducted between March and May 2026, surveyed 12,480 youths across universities and polytechnics in Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo states.
According to the report, 34 percent of respondents believe the South-East remains politically marginalised, while 27 percent blamed worsening economic conditions, including unemployment and inflation, for their declining confidence in the ruling party.
The survey also found that social media narratives, historical political loyalties, and limited grassroots engagement continue to shape negative perceptions of the APC among youths in the region.
SEY4P Chairman and Research Coordinator, Ugah Chukwuemeka, warned that failure to rebuild trust with young people could deepen political distrust and strengthen voter resistance ahead of future elections.
The report noted that many respondents were unable to identify government programmes that had directly impacted their lives, resulting in political opinions being formed largely through public narratives rather than personal experience.
