A pristine sieve is at work on Nigeria’s political landscape. It is held by young hands, working the rounds like the potter on clay.
There is an aphorism in Nigeria that proclaims the youths as the leaders of tomorrow. This cliché reminds individuals that the youths in the society represent the seeds of change, brimming with untapped potential and vigour.
But, the internally generated question for whoever dares to think is ‘has it been so?’
Young Nigerians are like the young saplings ready to break through the soil, seeking sunlight and nourishment. Expectedly too? the future of Nigeria’s politics lies with the youth, just as the growth and prosperity of a garden depend on the strength and vitality of its young plants.
The political landscape of Nigeria, can be likened to a garden that requires fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and unwavering energy to flourish. The youth, like the budding shoots in the garden, bring new ideologies, aspirations, and enthusiasm to the table. Their involvement and active participation in the political sphere are crucial for cultivating a more inclusive, progressive, and forward-thinking society.
The Undulating Spectrum of Youthful Participation in Nigerian Politics
Already, Nigeria is witnessing a remarkable transformation in its democratic landscape—a youth revolution that resonates across the virtual world.
The increasing engagement of our youth in passionate dialogues about the future of our country is a testament to the phenomenal metamorphosis occurring in Nigerian politics.
This digital shift has left old-guard politicians in awe, realizing that the younger generation is seizing the reins of political discourse through effective.
Just as a garden needs a mix of mature trees and fresh adolescents to thrive, Nigeria’s political ecosystem demands a blend of experienced leaders and dynamic young minds.
The youths bring with them a sense of urgency for change, often unchained by the constraints of traditional structures. Their aspirations for a more equitable and prosperous
Nigeria are the seeds that, when nurtured and cultivated, can transform the political landscape, much like how the growth of seedlings shapes the future of a garden.
Moreover, similar to how diverse plants in a garden contribute to its beauty and resilience, the diversity of ideas, backgrounds, and experiences among the youths are very vital for enriching the political discourse.
Their collective voice, when given the opportunity to bloom, can drive innovative policies, advocate for social justice, and foster a more inclusive democracy.
A Journey To The Past
Going down the memory lane, young Nigerians led in the struggle for independence in the colonial era. As far back as 1944, Nmandi Azikiwe, still in his 30s, established the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroun (NCNC).
During that period, young figures like Obafemi Awolowo, Tafawa Belawa, Almadu Bello, and Samuel Akintola, among others in their 20s and 30s, gained prominence through their activism. However, after Nigeria gained independence in 1960, this trend started to fade.
The era of young leaders gradually dwindled, and by the 1980s, there were very few politicians under the age of 40. Simultaneously, youth movements advocating for democracy and human rights faced severe crackdowns under the military regimes of that time.
When Nigeria returned to multi-party democracy in 1999, there was optimism that the new system would prove more inclusive.
But while youths hoped to be at the frontline of political advancement, they were more often drafted to serve as thugs and henchmen for the same older political class.
There was a decline in the importance of young people in Nigerian politics, leading to a rise in apathy. As at 2018, the youngest member of the parliament at the national level was 43.
Thankfully enough, the 2023 general elections ushered in more young mind as lawmakers at states House of Assembly the March 18, 2023 governorship and House of Assembly elections saw the emergence of three legislators in their 20s.
It was gathered that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, declared a 26-year-old Rasheed Kashamu the House of Assembly election winner in Ijebu North Constituency 1 in Ogun State, a 26-year-old, Rukayat Shittu, was declared winner as a fresh member of the state House of Assembly and a 26-year Muhammad Adamu Oyanki was declared among the youngest elected legislators in the elections from Nasarawa State.
The Budding Landscape For Youths
One can attribute the breakthrough to the “not-too-young-to-run bill” signed into law in May 2018 by President Muhammadu, a constitutional amendment pushed by young Nigerians which led to a reduction in the age requirement of running for elective positions in the House of Assembly and House of Representatives from 30 to 25 years, Senate and Governorship from 35 to 30 years and office of the President from 40 to 30 years and independent candidates in Nigeria.
Also, with a significant proportion falling within the youth bracket, Nigeria has a predominantly youthful population. Read more here:
This demographic strength inherently offers potential political power and encourages youth to engage in shaping the country’s political landscape.
In addition, many young Nigerians are motivated by a desire to effect change.
They are often dissatisfied with the status quo, driven by aspirations for better governance, social justice, economic opportunities, and equality. This dissatisfaction fuels their active participation in politics to drive change. An example in this regards is Omoyele Sowore who was calling for revolution in the Nigeria political clime.
The political landscape in Nigeria is experiencing an influx of young Nigerians, with even the current president, Bola Tinubu, acknowledging and aligning with this wave of change.
The shift towards youth involvement signifies a positive shift in the narrative, and it is essential that this momentum is sustained.
Furthermore, the rise of technology and social media has empowered Nigerian youth by providing platforms for information sharing, activism, and mobilization. It has facilitated their ability to organize and advocate for political causes, as seen in movements like #EndSARS.
The #EndSARS protest served as a powerful showcase of the youth’s ability to instigate positive change. It illuminated the potential impact of organized political participation, creating a collective consciousness among the youth that, when harnessed diplomatically, can be a potent force in the upcoming 2023 general election.
Several youth-led movements and civil society organizations in Nigeria played pivotal roles in advocating for political change.
These movements, often stimulated by social issues and grievances, mobilize youth to demand reforms and challenge the political establishment.
In addendum, increased education levels among Nigerian youth have led to greater awareness of their rights and roles in governance.
Educated youth are more likely to engage in political processes, debates, and policy discussions, contributing to informed decision-making.
Some political parties in Nigeria have recognized the importance of youth inclusion and have made efforts to attract and involve young people in their structures.
Youth wings within political parties serve as platforms for participation and engagement. Youth are often inspired by young political leaders and figures who have successfully ventured into politics or activism. Such role models encourage others to actively participate and pursue political careers.
The Challenges between
Limited access to resources, political violence, systemic barriers, disenfranchisement, lack of representation, disillusionment with traditional political structures, and the hegemony of older political elites still hinder full and effective youth participation in Nigerian politics. This could impede the full blown democratic system in Nigeria politics in the future.
Structural challenges, such as limited access to political resources, financial constraints, and the dominance of established political elites, create barriers for youth to actively engage in politics. Many young people lack the financial means and networks necessary to participate effectively. Instances of political violence, intimidation, and harassment deter youth from actively engaging in politics.
Fear of reprisals or violence can dissuade them from participating in political activities or expressing dissenting opinions. Also, the absence of substantial youth representation in decision-making bodies and political structures reduces incentives for young people to engage in politics.
The lack of avenues for meaningful participation discourages their involvement. Moreso, high levels of unemployment, poverty, and limited access to education can hinder youth engagement in politics.
Economic struggles often force young people to prioritize livelihood issues over political participation. Weak political institutions, corruption, and lack of transparency within the political system decrease the trust of youth in political processes. This skepticism discourages their involvement in formal political activities.
The Drawbacks Ahead
As discussed earlier, sociocultural factors, including patriarchal norms and age-based hierarchies, has marginalized young people’s voices in decision-making processes.
Limited access to civic education programs and awareness initiatives leads to a lack of understanding of political processes and rights among young Nigerians. This lack of awareness can hinder their effective participation.
However, addressing these challenges requires concerted efforts from multiple stakeholders (though, the “not-too-young to run” law has helped to some extent), including government institutions, civil society organizations, and policymakers, to create an enabling environment that encourages and supports youth engagement in politics.
Efforts to provide inclusive platforms, ensure safety, enhance education, and create opportunities for youth leadership are crucial for increasing their participation in Nigerian politics.
Let me say this:
The call for increased youth political participation is both commendable and timely, but the urgency is underscored by the need to see more young leaders at the forefront of governance and decision-making processes.
Recognizing that politics is at the core of societal change, the emphasis is on setting the political foundation right to ensure a positive trajectory for the nation.
Staying Focused
As Nigeria’s political landscape undergoes a youth-driven transformation, it is imperative for the younger generation to recognize the power they hold in shaping the nation’s future.
The call to action is clear:
Channel energy, creativity, and passion into political participation to ensure a more inclusive, representative, and dynamic governance system.
The time has come for Nigeria’s youth to take center stage and contribute meaningfully to the political discourse that will shape the destiny of their nation.
Written by Olalekan Oni ( Covener Renewed Hope Media )
