Youth Participation in Politics Crucial for Nigeria's Democratic Health

The United Nations has highlighted the urgent necessity for youth participation in global governance, particularly given the major difficulties that the world is experiencing today. The UN notes that, with estimates suggesting that by 2100, eighty per cent of the world’s youth would live in Africa and Asia, it is vital to ensure that young people’s views are heard in decision-making processes for good governance. UN Foundation has also developed programmes like Our Future Agenda to inspire young leaders and ensure their voices are included in policy deliberations.

“The youth are increasingly making their mark on multilateral agenda-setting through varied activities. They play an active role in writing policy briefs that address their problems and aspirations, and in interacting with decision makers. This is crucial because it not only amplifies youth voices but fosters a sense of ownership in the political process. He says getting young people involved in these debates is a way to begin addressing issues that directly impact them, such as unemployment and housing.

Reports say the All Progressives Congress (APC) is losing ground with young voters in Lagos, with a huge gap between the party and this group. Analysts say the current leadership of APC is out of touch with the realities of young Nigerians. This feeling of separation is worrying because it signals a legitimacy issue for the party in the very cohort that constitutes its future. Political expert, Tosin Ashafa said this difference might have dire consequences for the long-term sustainability of the APC.

Although young turnout in presidential elections has increased, the participation rates in local elections remain low. Young people are getting increasingly involved in national elections, but the NAACP said it's important to keep civic engagement going to sustain that interest. Valentine says that the health of democracy can’t be built on participating every four years, but on ongoing engagement for the development of politically active youth.

Young Nigerians face several obstacles including high unemployment and a housing crisis. Such problems are especially acute for a generation that is increasingly fed up with a lack of opportunity. The divide between political parties and youth population indicates that until these issues are addressed, parties like the APC may continue to be unable to engage with younger people. More than ever before, we need political leaders who understand and respond to the reality of young.

To effectively bridge the generational gap, Nigeria’s political parties need to adopt some strategies that will resonate with young people. This includes engaging with them in a meaningful way, listening to their concerns and creating outlets for their voice to be heard. Recommendations such as the post-election appraisal made to APC leaders following the 2020 electioneering should provide some guidance on how to effectively engage this critical community. If an inclusive political space is created, Nigeria's democracy will be healthy going ahead.

As Nigeria’s political journey unfolds, providing space for the views of young people will be critical in building an inclusive and effective system of governance. The hopeful path to more youth involvement in the political arena is paved by the active engagement of young leaders and tireless work of groups like Our Future Agenda. But political parties can only prosper if they grasp the necessity to have a dialogue with younger generations and their specific challenges. How these holes will be filled will determine the future of Nigeria’s democracy.