Sunday, 15 September 2024
Authors: Queennette Esse Odudu
Country: United States of America
SUMMARY
Nigeria, a country teeming with youthful energy and idealism, is witnessing a seismic shift in its political landscape. With over 70% of its population under the age of 30, the West African nation is poised for a revolution led by its most valuable resource - its young people. No longer content to wait for their turn to lead, Nigeria's youth are taking matters into their own hands, leveraging social media, activism, and grassroots organizing to challenge the status quo and demand a seat at the table. From the #NotTooYoungToRun movement to the #EndSARS protests, young Nigerians are mobilizing like never before, driven by a desire for good governance, economic opportunities, and a say in their country's future. But what are the key drivers behind this youth-led charge? What's fueling their activism, and how are they navigating the complex web of Nigerian politics? In this article, we'll delve into the fascinating story of Nigeria's youth political awakening, exploring the motivations, strategies, and impact of this emerging force, and what it means for the country's democratic trajectory.
BACKGROUND
Historical Background of Youth Participation in Nigerian Politics Youth participation in Nigerian politics has a long history, stretching back to before independence. Historically, young Nigerians have played an essential part in the country's struggle for freedom and political progress. Without indelible youth participation and engagement traces, Nigeria's political history would be incomplete. Nigerian youths' pre-independence initiatives significantly contributed to Nigeria's national independence. Dr. Nnamdi Azikwe, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Chief Anthony Enahoro, and other supporters of Nigerian independence were young students.
They began their independence movement as Student Union Activists and later formed formidable groups to resist colonial control. Anthony Enahoro was around twenty-one when he submitted the motion for Nigeria's independence, and Yakubu Gowon was only twenty-nine when he became Nigeria's Head of State. Late Isaac Adaka Boro, a recent graduate of the University of Nigeria in Nsukka, was in his thirties when he created the Niger Delta Volunteer Force and, after that, fought for his people's independence. A look at these people's lives demonstrates that, as young men, they faced hardships, dismal moments, and an uncertain future, yet they rose to the occasion and made a difference. Over 70% of Nigeria's youth population (about 80 million) is believed to be unemployed despite having appropriate work experience and other job qualifications. The dangers and implications of youth unemployment and inactivity are more understood. The imagined scenario reflects current trends in youth participation in Nigerian politics. We're still at the bottom of Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs. Food, shelter, and clothing remain the primary needs of Nigerian youngsters; therefore, the future remains dismal.
Nigeria’s Reality
In Nigeria, the legal voting age is 18, but the eligibility to run for office varies 40 for President, 30 for Senate and Governor, and 25 for Representative and State Assembly. Youth exclusion from politics is not solely due to age restrictions; the financial cost of electoral processes heavily Favors older, wealthier individuals or those backed by political sponsors. Factors like political "godfathers," lack of internal party democracy, and the monetization of politics keep control of political parties in the hands of older politicians.
Although the 2010 Electoral Act, amended in 2022, set limits on campaign funding, it failed to cap the fees political parties charge for nomination forms. These fees have steadily increased since 2011 and are unaffordable for many young candidates. In the 2023 elections, both the All-Progressive Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) set exorbitant fees for nomination forms, excluding most youth despite discounts for young and female candidates. Wealthy politicians dominate the political space, turning it into a "cash and carry" system, perpetuating corruption and pushing some youth toward crime to gain power.
Corruption fuels intense competition during elections, leading to malpractice such as ballot rigging, snatching, and vote buying. Many young people, unable to afford the costs of running for office, resort to odd jobs or violence during elections, sometimes engaging in criminal activities. They are often exploited and abandoned after elections, leading to further frustration and marginalization from the political system.
Has the Perspective Changed?
Despite these challenges, Nigerian youth are beginning to confront the obstacles within the electoral system, crafting strategies to overcome them and broaden their participation in politics. They are increasingly vocal about their desire to lead now, not in the distant future. Through organized efforts, youth are pushing back against the high costs of nomination forms, even after the passage of the “Not Too Young to Run” bill, which reduced age restrictions but did not address financial barriers.
The youth-led movement calls for a shift in leadership from older generations to younger leaders. This shift is evident in the rejection of older candidates for the 2023 presidential elections and growing support for younger politicians like Peter Obi of the Labour Party. This political awakening reflects a new realization among Nigerian youth that leadership directly impacts their future, and they are now backing candidates who prioritize youth interests over party agendas.
However, this momentum raises essential questions: How will youth sustain their push for political inclusion? And can their support for younger leaders remain non-tribal and party-neutral? To make their vision a reality, political parties must reduce the financial barriers to candidacy, giving youth equal opportunities to run for office. If the youth effectively leverage their large population in the polls, they can end age-based domination of Nigerian politics.
Key Drivers of Youth Involvement in Politics in Nigeria
In recent years, Nigerian youth have increasingly become involved in politics, advocating for change and reform in a system they believe has failed to meet their needs. Traditionally, older generations have dominated Nigerian politics, but the recent wave of youth activism and participation marks a significant shift. Young people are increasingly motivated to become active participants in shaping the future of their country. Some of the key drivers behind this growing trend of youth involvement in Nigerian politics include:
1. Socio-Economic Drivers
This group's socioeconomic issues are one of the most significant drivers of youth involvement in politics in Nigeria. High unemployment, economic insecurity, and restricted chances for progress have caused many young people to view political participation as guaranteeing their future. According to the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS), youth unemployment was 42.5% in 2020, producing a big pool of dissatisfied young people looking for other ways to improve their financial situation. Many young Nigerians see political participation as influencing policies that will directly improve their socioeconomic conditions.
2. The Role of Technology and Social Media
Social media and technological advancements have dramatically shifted how Nigerian youth engage with politics. Platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram have become essential tools for political mobilization, allowing young people to amplify their voices and organize campaigns on a large scale. Social media was instrumental during the #EndSARS protests in 2020, a youth-led movement demanding the disbandment of a notorious police unit involved in human rights abuses. Through online platforms, Nigerian youth were able to mobilize global attention, demonstrating the power of technology in shaping political discourse.
The ease with which young Nigerians can access political information online has also contributed to the growing political consciousness. Information once restricted to traditional media outlets is now widely available, enabling youth to engage in informed discussions and debates about governance.
3. Dissatisfaction with Current Leadership
Another key driver of youth involvement in politics is dissatisfaction with the current political leadership. Widespread corruption, poor governance, and lack of accountability have left many young people feeling disillusioned with the older generation of politicians. The desire for change is palpable among Nigerian youth, who believe that the current political establishment has failed to address critical issues such as poverty, infrastructure, and education.
This dissatisfaction was a significant factor in the rise of youth-led movements like #NotTooYoungToRun, which aimed to lower the age requirement for political office and empower young Nigerians to take leadership positions. Many young people believe that the only way to effect meaningful change is by actively participating in the political process and challenging the status quo.
4. Education and Awareness
The increasing political awareness among Nigerian youth can be attributed to better access to education and civic engagement programs. Universities and other educational institutions have become hubs of political activity, with student unions playing a crucial role in encouraging political participation. Additionally, civil society organizations such as YIAGA Africa have been at the forefront of educating young Nigerians about their rights and responsibilities in the political arena. With this increased awareness, more young people are beginning to understand the importance of voting, running for office, and holding elected officials accountable. This has led to a surge in youth-led initiatives promoting good governance and transparency in Nigerian politics.
5. Political Reforms and Opportunities
The passage of the “Not Too Young to Run” bill in 2018 was a major milestone in promoting youth involvement in Nigerian politics. The bill reduced the age requirements for running for various political offices, allowing more young Nigerians to contest for positions in the government. This legislative reform responded to the growing demand for youth representation and has opened new opportunities for young candidates to participate in elections.
Political parties have also recognized the importance of engaging with the youth demographic. Some parties have created youth wings or appointed younger members to key leadership positions. These efforts are designed to harness the energy and ideas of young people while also addressing their growing dissatisfaction with traditional political structures.
6. Peer Influence and Youth-Led Movements
Peer influence has played a significant role in mobilizing Nigerian youth for political engagement. As more young people get involved in politics, they encourage their peers to do the same. This can be seen in the emergence of youth-led movements and organizations that promote political participation and activism.
Youth-led grassroots movements have gained traction in recent years. These movements often focus on specific issues, such as unemployment, human rights, or electoral reform, and they use collective action to push for change. The success of these movements has further inspired young Nigerians to get involved in the political process, knowing that their efforts can make a difference.
7. Global Influence
The influence of global youth movements has also contributed to the rise of youth political participation in Nigeria. From the Arab Spring to the Black Lives Matter movement, Nigerian youth have been inspired by the actions of their counterparts around the world. These global movements have shown that young people can bring about significant political and social change through collective action.
Moreover, international organizations and global networks have supported Nigerian youth by providing platforms for political engagement, training, and advocacy. This global exposure has helped Nigerian youth refine their strategies and expand their influence within the national political landscape.
Challenges to Youth Participation in Politics
Despite the growing involvement of youth in politics, several challenges still hinder their full participation.
1. High cost
One of the main barriers is the high cost of running for political office in Nigeria, which often excludes young people who lack the financial resources to mount a successful campaign. In addition, traditional political structures are resistant to change, and older politicians often maintain control over key party positions, limiting opportunities for youth to ascend to leadership roles.
2. Fear of government detention.
In Nigeria, some youngsters are apolitical and uninterested in government policies and programs. Some government leaders despise criticism, and any attempt to do so is met with resistance, illegal arrest, and a violation of the rule of law. Similarly, the proscription of sociopolitical and religious groups and the passage of the Hate Speech Bill are indirect methods of silencing dissenting voices. This increased youth aloofness in political engagements.
3. Concerns about political hooliganism, including threats of harm or death.
The dread of maiming and politically motivated assassinations has also contributed to certain adolescents' retreat and indifference in political conversations impacting their communities. Election campaigns in Nigeria are frequently marred by shootings, kidnappings, and assassinations of political opponents. The use of cult organizations to highlight aspirants to their interests has been recognized, as has the plethora of deaths in the country.
4. Blackmail.
Blackmail is a defining component of Nigerian politics. Smear campaigns, character assassination, and propaganda are all associated with politics. As a result, youths who are rectitudinous and want to maintain their moral purity are more likely to avoid political participation. This is so as many of them tag politics as a “dirty game” meant for political touts and school dropouts.
5. Indiscipline.
Indiscipline among politicians, as seen in massive looting of government scoffers, wanton and merciless spending of taxpayers’ money, brandishing of wealth without reasonableness, and various human rights abuses, has tended to put off some youths from political engagement on the one hand and equally inform some youths' engagement on the other hand.
6. Sabotage.
Dishonesty among some youths who engage in politics has deterred some from participating. For instance, poor and unwholesome execution of contracts, such as schools, roads, and water projects and supplies, has rendered government projects unsustainable and wasted. The outright vandalism of government property by government officials and their cronies often makes politics detestable to some youths.
Conclusion
The growing involvement of Nigerian youth in politics is driven by socio-economic factors, dissatisfaction with the current leadership, and the rise of digital activism. Political reforms, such as the “Not Too Young to Run” bill, have also created opportunities for youth to participate more fully in the political process. While challenges remain, the increasing political awareness and engagement among Nigerian youth represent a significant shift in the country’s political landscape. As these young leaders continue to push for change, their influence will undoubtedly shape the future of Nigerian governance.
REFERENCES
Danbaba Terengson, Shadrack. (2023). The Impact of 'Not Too Young to Run Act' on Political Participation of Youths in Nigeria. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/377536389_The_Impact_of_'Not_Too_Young_to_Run_Act'_on_Political_Participation_of_Youths_in_Nigeria accessed September 14, 2024
EndSARS movement, "Social Media and Political Mobilization," 2020.
Hyginus Banko Okibe, “Youth Participation in Elections in Nigeria: The Emerging Trends and Changing Perspectives” https://www.wilsoncenter.org/blog-post/youth-participation-in-elections-in-nigeria-the-emerging-trends-and-changing-perspectives accessed September 15, 2024
Michael Sunday Afolayan, “Youth Political Participation in Nigeria: Legality, Trends, Dilemmas and Opportunities” Journal of Law, Policy and Globalization www.iiste.org ISSN 2224-3240 (Paper) ISSN 2224-3259 (Online) Vol.80, 2018 https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/234652059.pdf accessed September 12, 2024
Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS), "Labour Force Statistics: Unemployment and Underemployment Report," Q4 2020.
The Not Too Young To Run Amendment https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2020/09/29/the-not-too-young-to-run-amendment/#google_vignette accessed September 14, 2024
1. Vite, Bari-ika & Stephen, Essien & Nenbee, Simeon & Kabee, Kpaa. (2020). Youth Political Participation in Nigeria: A Theoretical Synthesis. US-China Education Review B. 10.https://www.researchgate.net/publication/346329627_Youth_Political_Participation_in_Nigeria_A_Theoretical_Synthesis accessed September 13, 2024.
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