In every election cycle, Nigerian politicians declare that “youths are the leaders of tomorrow.” Yet, tomorrow never seems to come. Despite making up over 60 per cent of the population, young Nigerians remain largely excluded from political decision-making. Their voices are often dismissed, their capacities underestimated, and their aspirations sidelined.
This exclusion is largely due to several factors.
Nigerian politics is dominated by money and influence. The cost of contesting even the smallest elective office is far beyond the reach of most young people. Godfatherism and patronage networks also lock out fresh faces.
The Not Too Young To Run Act lowered the age requirement for political offices, but laws alone do not dismantle deeply entrenched practices. Political parties still prefer older candidates who can “fund the system” and guarantee loyalty to established interests.
Many in the political class still view youths as inexperienced, impatient, or unprepared for leadership. This perception feeds a vicious cycle — youths are denied opportunities to prove themselves, and their supposed inexperience is used as justification.
With high unemployment and underemployment, many young Nigerians are focused on survival rather than political participation. For some, politics is seen as a dirty game reserved for the privileged.
When young people are kept at the margins, politics becomes recycling of the same old faces, the same old ideas, and the same old failures. The disconnect between government policies and the realities of young Nigerians grows wider. Frustration then spills into protests, mass emigration (“japa”), or worse, political apathy.
To address these issues parties must open their doors to young people — not only as mobilisers during campaigns but as real stakeholders in decision-making. Internal democracy is key.
Transparent campaign financing laws and limits on nomination fees would level the playing field for youths who lack deep pockets.
Civic education, mentorship programmes, and leadership training should empower youths with the skills and confidence to lead effectively.
More importantly, rather than waiting for “approval” from the old guard, young people must organise, build movements, and support one another in elections. The future will not be handed over — it has to be claimed.
