Abuja: The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the African Youth Growth Foundation (AYGF) have urged Nigerian youths to take ownership of the democratic space and actively participate in governance. They made the call on Tuesday in Abuja at the National Youth Mentorship Conference on Sustainable Democratic Governance, themed: ‘Building Sustainable Pathways for Civic Leadership, Electoral Participation and Democratic Governance.’
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Dr Arome Salifu, Executive Director of AYGF, emphasized that youths, who make up more than 70 percent of Nigeria’s population, have both the responsibility and opportunity to shape the country’s political future. Salifu lamented that youths have been systematically excluded, directly or indirectly, from meaningful participation in the democratic process and governance.
Salifu stated, “This is what this conference is about to address. We have a youthful population, no doubt. The energy, the brilliance, the intellect, the intentions, the charismatic nature of young people, well endowed. There is no doubt about it. When you ask every other African about Nigerians, they will tell you Nigerians are very industrious, creative, talented, and the best in the continent. However, when it comes to governance, democratic participation, they are totally missing in action. That is fallacy of composition. And that is what we must not accept as a people and as a country.”
He further noted that the enactment of the Not Too Young to Run law was an important step but had not removed all barriers preventing youths from actively participating in politics. Salifu urged youths to reclaim ownership of the democratic space through lawful and democratic means, emphasizing the importance of organizing, building networks, developing credible agendas, engaging in democratic processes, and pursuing economic empowerment.
Prof. Sam Egwu, INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in Plateau, also called on youths to use elections as a peaceful means of expressing dissatisfaction with government and choosing competent leaders. Egwu highlighted the critical role of young people in reversing the country’s declining voter turnout and warned that voter apathy posed a major threat to democratic legitimacy.
Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), pointed out that youth inclusion is a fundamental requirement for legitimate and sustainable democracy. He identified unemployment, poverty, unequal access to education, weak institutions, and limited political financing as major barriers to youth participation in governance.
Sulaiman stressed that youths are often treated as voters, campaign mobilizers, and political foot soldiers rather than as policymakers, legislators, and leaders. He emphasized the need for a change in this situation to ensure the responsiveness, legitimacy, and sustainability of Nigeria’s democracy.
Mr. Suleiman Mande, Founder of The Mande Global Impact Consulting Ltd., emphasized that the quality of Nigeria’s democracy largely depends on the character, knowledge, and responsibility of its citizens. Mande encouraged young Nigerians to prepare for leadership by becoming informed, responsible, and active citizens capable of contributing positively to democratic governance.