Nigeria is one of the most populous countries in Africa, with over 200 million people. A significant proportion of this population is made up of youths, who constitute about 60% of the total population. However, Nigerian youths have been largely passive in politics, often leaving the political arena to the older generation.

The Importance of Nigerian Youths in Politics

Nigerian youths are the future of the country, and their participation in politics is crucial to shaping the country's future. Young people have fresh ideas, energy, and creativity that can drive change and bring about positive transformation. They also represent a significant demographic group that can influence political outcomes, and their voices need to be heard. Nigerian youths must recognize their power and realize that they have a responsibility to play an active role in the country's political process.

The Barriers to Youth Political Participation in Nigeria

Several factors hinder Nigerian youths' active participation in politics, including a

lack of political education

Lack of political education is a significant barrier to youth political participation in Nigeria. Many young people in Nigeria have limited knowledge about the political system, political processes, and the roles of different political actors. As a result, they may feel intimidated and unsure about how to participate in politics effectively. Additionally, some young people may have misconceptions about politics, such as believing that it is a dirty game, corrupt, or irrelevant to their daily lives.

To address the lack of political education among young people, several strategies can be implemented.

- First, political education should be integrated into the school curriculum at all levels of education. This can help young people understand the political system, political processes, and the roles of different political actors.
- Second, civil society organizations and community-based groups can organize political education and civic engagement programs for young people. This can involve seminars, workshops, and training sessions on topics such as citizenship, governance, democracy, and human rights. - Third, social media platforms can be leveraged to disseminate information and promote political education among young people. Social media can be used to create awareness about political issues and facilitate discussions on politics and governance.

Addressing the lack of political education among young people is essential to increase their political participation in Nigeria. By providing political education through the education system, civil society organizations, and social media platforms, young people can develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to participate effectively in politics. This, in turn, can help to create a more inclusive, democratic, and accountable political system in Nigeria.

inadequate representation in political parties

Inadequate representation in political parties is another significant barrier to youth political participation in Nigeria. Many political parties in Nigeria have historically been dominated by older politicians, who may not prioritize the needs and interests of young people. As a result, young people may feel excluded and underrepresented in political parties, which can limit their ability to participate effectively in party politics and decision-making.

To address the issue of inadequate representation in political parties, several strategies can be implemented.

- First, political parties can adopt affirmative action policies that reserve a percentage of party positions for young people. This can help to increase youth representation in political parties and ensure that young people have a voice in party decision-making.
- Second, political parties can create youth wings or youth caucuses to provide a platform for young people to participate in party politics and engage with older politicians.
- Third, political parties can organize leadership and mentorship programs for young people, which can help to develop their leadership skills and prepare them for future political positions.

Inadequate representation in political parties is a significant barrier to youth political participation in Nigeria. By adopting affirmative action policies, creating youth wings or youth caucuses, and organizing leadership and mentorship programs for young people, political parties can increase youth representation in party politics and decision-making. This can help to create a more inclusive and diverse political system in Nigeria and ensure that young people have a voice in shaping the country's future.

the perception that politics is a dirty game

The perception that politics is a dirty game is a prevalent cultural belief in Nigeria that can discourage young people from participating in politics. Many young people in Nigeria may view politics as corrupt, violent, and full of negative practices, such as vote buying, rigging, and thuggery. This perception can make young people feel disillusioned about the political system and believe that their participation in politics is futile.

To address this perception, several strategies can be implemented.

- First, political leaders and policymakers can engage in more transparent, accountable, and ethical practices. This can help to change the negative perception of politics and create a more positive image of the political system in Nigeria.
- Second, media outlets can play a critical role in shaping public perceptions of politics by reporting objectively and highlighting positive stories about political actors who are making a positive impact.
- Third, civil society organizations can organize campaigns and advocacy programs to promote the value of civic participation and democracy among young people. These campaigns can highlight the positive impact of political participation and showcase young people who have made a difference in the political system.

The perception that politics is a dirty game is a significant barrier to youth political participation in Nigeria. By promoting transparency, accountability, and ethical practices, engaging media outlets, and organizing campaigns and advocacy programs, we can help to change the negative perception of politics and encourage young people to participate in politics. This can help to create a more engaged and informed citizenry in Nigeria and foster a more democratic and accountable political system.

Many young people are also disillusioned with the political system, which they see as corrupt and unresponsive to their needs. Additionally, the high cost of running for office and the dominance of money in politics can be significant barriers for young people.

The Benefits of Youth Political Participation in Nigeria

When Nigerian youths participate actively in politics, they can bring about positive change and address some of the country's most pressing issues. They can advocate for policies that benefit young people, such as increased access to education and employment opportunities. Additionally, young people can bring a fresh perspective to governance and introduce innovative ideas that can drive economic growth and development. When young people participate in politics, they can hold leaders accountable and demand transparency and accountability in governance.

Strategies to Increase Youth Political Participation in Nigeria

To increase youth political participation in Nigeria, several strategies need to be implemented.

- First, there is a need to promote political education and civic engagement among young people. This can be done through the education system, civil society organizations, and social media platforms.
- Second, political parties need to create more opportunities for young people to participate in party politics and decision-making. This can be done through affirmative action policies that reserve a percentage of party positions for young people.
- Third, the cost of running for office needs to be reduced, and the dominance of money in politics needs to be curbed. This can be achieved through campaign finance reform and the establishment of an independent electoral body that can regulate campaign finance.

What is campaign finance reform?

Campaign finance reform is an important issue that can help to promote youth political participation in Nigeria. The current political system in Nigeria is heavily influenced by money, which can make it difficult for young people who lack financial resources to participate effectively in politics. This can result in a political system that is dominated by wealthy elites and oligarchs, which can further marginalize young people and limit their opportunities for political participation.

To address this issue, several strategies can be implemented.

- First, campaign finance laws can be reformed to limit the amount of money that can be spent on political campaigns. This can help to level the playing field and make it easier for young people with limited financial resources to compete in elections.
- Second, public funding for political campaigns can be introduced to provide equal opportunities for candidates to run for office. This can help to reduce the influence of money in politics and increase the diversity of political actors.
- Third, political parties can be required to disclose their sources of funding and expenditure to increase transparency and accountability in the political system.

Campaign finance reform is essential to promoting youth political participation in Nigeria. By reforming campaign finance laws, introducing public funding for political campaigns, and increasing transparency and accountability in the political system, we can help to create a more inclusive and democratic political system that provides opportunities for young people to participate and make a difference.

In Summary

Nigerian youths must recognize their power and realize that they have a responsibility to play an active role in the country's political process. By participating in politics, young people can bring about positive change and address some of the country's most pressing issues. However, several barriers hinder youth political participation in Nigeria, and strategies need to be implemented to increase their participation. By promoting political education, creating more opportunities for young people in party politics, and reducing the cost of running for office, Nigerian youths can take their rightful place in the country's political process and shape the country's future.