THE ROLE OF YOUNG PEOPLE IN NIGERIAN POLITICS
Why the next generation cannot afford to stay on the sidelines
Politics is often treated as something that belongs to older people — people who have spent years in political parties, attended endless meetings, or else else already hold public office. But in Nigeria, young people cannot afford to see politics that way. Decisions made by political leaders affect almost every part of a young person's life, from education and employment to the cost of living, security, transportation and opportunities to build a future.
Young Nigerians make up an important part of the country's population, and their participation in public life matters. Yet being young does not automatically mean being interested in politics, and being interested does not always mean having a seat at the table. The real question is how young people can move from simply talking about the problems around them to becoming active participants in finding solutions.
Young people are already part of the political conversation
One thing that cannot be denied is that young Nigerians are already involved in politics, even when that involvement does not happen inside a political party. Young people discuss public issues on social media, organise community activities, attend protests, volunteer during elections, create awareness and challenge leaders to explain their decisions. Digital platforms have made it easier for ordinary citizens to express their views and organise around issues that matter to them.
The United Nations Development Programme has noted that youth political participation is changing, with digital forms of engagement and youth-led movements becoming increasingly important. At the same time, it points out that young people still face barriers to meaningful participation in formal political institutions. This distinction is important: being politically active online is valuable, but it is only one part of participation.
Voting is important, but politics is bigger than voting
For many young Nigerians, political participation begins and ends on election day. Voting is certainly important, but democracy does not stop when the votes are counted. Citizens also have a role in understanding government policies, asking questions, following public spending, joining community discussions and holding elected representatives accountable.
Nigeria's electoral calendar makes this especially relevant. INEC currently lists the next presidential and National Assembly election for January 16, 2027, followed by governorship and State House of Assembly elections on February 6, 2027. For young Nigerians who are eligible to vote, preparation should not begin a few days before an election. It should begin with learning about the issues, understanding the electoral process and making informed decisions.
Young people can bring fresh ideas into leadership
One major reason young people should participate in politics is the perspective they bring. Young Nigerians experience the country's challenges in very direct ways. They are dealing with questions about jobs, entrepreneurship, education, technology, housing and the rising cost of everyday life. Their experiences can contribute to conversations about what government should prioritise.
This does not mean that every young person will have the same political opinion. Young Nigerians are not one group with one agenda. They come from different regions, professions, cultures, religions and economic backgrounds. That diversity should be seen as a strength. What matters is creating space for young people to participate peacefully and constructively, even when they disagree with one another.
The challenges should not be ignored
Getting involved in politics is not always easy. Some young people are discouraged by the cost of political participation, limited access to decision-making spaces, lack of trust in political institutions, political violence and the feeling that their voices will not make a difference. These concerns are real and should be taken seriously.
There is also the problem of misinformation. Social media can help young people become more informed, but it can also spread false claims very quickly. A politically active young person therefore needs more than enthusiasm. They need to check information, compare sources, understand the difference between fact and opinion, and avoid sharing information simply because it supports the side they prefer.
Young people should not wait for an invitation
Political participation does not necessarily mean immediately contesting for office. A young person can begin by learning how government works, registering and voting when eligible, volunteering in civic activities, joining a community organisation, attending town-hall meetings, supporting a cause, or else else having respectful conversations about public issues.
For those who want to go further, political parties and public institutions also have a responsibility to create meaningful opportunities for youth participation. INEC's current work on political-party regulations has specifically identified attention to the participation of women, youth and persons with disabilities within party structures as part of the wider regulatory conversation. That matters because young people need opportunities not only to campaign for others, but also to contribute to policy discussions and seek leadership positions themselves.
The future of Nigeria includes young people
Nigeria's future is not something that will suddenly arrive one day. It is being shaped by the choices people make today. Young people will live with the consequences of today's political decisions for many years, so remaining completely disconnected from politics can have a cost.
The role of young Nigerians in politics should therefore go beyond being supporters during campaigns. They can be voters, volunteers, community organisers, advocates, journalists, policy contributors, political candidates and responsible citizens. They can also demand better standards from the people they support.
At the same time, young people do not have to agree on everything. Healthy democracy allows room for disagreement. What matters is participation that is informed, peaceful and focused on issues rather than personal attacks. Nigeria needs citizens who are willing to ask difficult questions, listen to different opinions and remain involved after election season is over.
Conclusion
Young people are not simply the leaders of tomorrow they are citizens of today. Their voices already influence conversations across Nigeria, but that influence can become more meaningful when it is connected to informed civic participation and engagement with institutions.
The responsibility is shared. Young Nigerians have a responsibility to learn, participate and hold leaders accountable. Political institutions have a responsibility to make room for genuine youth participation. If both sides take that responsibility seriously, young people can play a much larger role in shaping the kind of Nigeria they want to live in.
Politics may sometimes feel distant, complicated or else else frustrating. But it is too important to leave entirely to someone else. For young Nigerians, getting involved is not simply about choosing a candidate. It is about having a voice in the decisions that shape their lives and the future of the country.
NMA.
THE ROLE OF YOUNG PEOPLE IN NIGERIAN POLITICS
Why the next generation cannot afford to stay on the sidelines
Politics is often treated as something that belongs to older people — people who have spent years in political parties, attended endless meetings, or else else already hold public office. But in Nigeria, young people cannot afford to see politics that way. Decisions made by political leaders affect almost every part of a young person's life, from education and employment to the cost of living, security, transportation and opportunities to build a future.
Young Nigerians make up an important part of the country's population, and their participation in public life matters. Yet being young does not automatically mean being interested in politics, and being interested does not always mean having a seat at the table. The real question is how young people can move from simply talking about the problems around them to becoming active participants in finding solutions.
Young people are already part of the political conversation
One thing that cannot be denied is that young Nigerians are already involved in politics, even when that involvement does not happen inside a political party. Young people discuss public issues on social media, organise community activities, attend protests, volunteer during elections, create awareness and challenge leaders to explain their decisions. Digital platforms have made it easier for ordinary citizens to express their views and organise around issues that matter to them.
The United Nations Development Programme has noted that youth political participation is changing, with digital forms of engagement and youth-led movements becoming increasingly important. At the same time, it points out that young people still face barriers to meaningful participation in formal political institutions. This distinction is important: being politically active online is valuable, but it is only one part of participation.
Voting is important, but politics is bigger than voting
For many young Nigerians, political participation begins and ends on election day. Voting is certainly important, but democracy does not stop when the votes are counted. Citizens also have a role in understanding government policies, asking questions, following public spending, joining community discussions and holding elected representatives accountable.
Nigeria's electoral calendar makes this especially relevant. INEC currently lists the next presidential and National Assembly election for January 16, 2027, followed by governorship and State House of Assembly elections on February 6, 2027. For young Nigerians who are eligible to vote, preparation should not begin a few days before an election. It should begin with learning about the issues, understanding the electoral process and making informed decisions.
Young people can bring fresh ideas into leadership
One major reason young people should participate in politics is the perspective they bring. Young Nigerians experience the country's challenges in very direct ways. They are dealing with questions about jobs, entrepreneurship, education, technology, housing and the rising cost of everyday life. Their experiences can contribute to conversations about what government should prioritise.
This does not mean that every young person will have the same political opinion. Young Nigerians are not one group with one agenda. They come from different regions, professions, cultures, religions and economic backgrounds. That diversity should be seen as a strength. What matters is creating space for young people to participate peacefully and constructively, even when they disagree with one another.
The challenges should not be ignored
Getting involved in politics is not always easy. Some young people are discouraged by the cost of political participation, limited access to decision-making spaces, lack of trust in political institutions, political violence and the feeling that their voices will not make a difference. These concerns are real and should be taken seriously.
There is also the problem of misinformation. Social media can help young people become more informed, but it can also spread false claims very quickly. A politically active young person therefore needs more than enthusiasm. They need to check information, compare sources, understand the difference between fact and opinion, and avoid sharing information simply because it supports the side they prefer.
Young people should not wait for an invitation
Political participation does not necessarily mean immediately contesting for office. A young person can begin by learning how government works, registering and voting when eligible, volunteering in civic activities, joining a community organisation, attending town-hall meetings, supporting a cause, or else else having respectful conversations about public issues.
For those who want to go further, political parties and public institutions also have a responsibility to create meaningful opportunities for youth participation. INEC's current work on political-party regulations has specifically identified attention to the participation of women, youth and persons with disabilities within party structures as part of the wider regulatory conversation. That matters because young people need opportunities not only to campaign for others, but also to contribute to policy discussions and seek leadership positions themselves.
The future of Nigeria includes young people
Nigeria's future is not something that will suddenly arrive one day. It is being shaped by the choices people make today. Young people will live with the consequences of today's political decisions for many years, so remaining completely disconnected from politics can have a cost.
The role of young Nigerians in politics should therefore go beyond being supporters during campaigns. They can be voters, volunteers, community organisers, advocates, journalists, policy contributors, political candidates and responsible citizens. They can also demand better standards from the people they support.
At the same time, young people do not have to agree on everything. Healthy democracy allows room for disagreement. What matters is participation that is informed, peaceful and focused on issues rather than personal attacks. Nigeria needs citizens who are willing to ask difficult questions, listen to different opinions and remain involved after election season is over.
Conclusion
Young people are not simply the leaders of tomorrow they are citizens of today. Their voices already influence conversations across Nigeria, but that influence can become more meaningful when it is connected to informed civic participation and engagement with institutions.
The responsibility is shared. Young Nigerians have a responsibility to learn, participate and hold leaders accountable. Political institutions have a responsibility to make room for genuine youth participation. If both sides take that responsibility seriously, young people can play a much larger role in shaping the kind of Nigeria they want to live in.
Politics may sometimes feel distant, complicated or else else frustrating. But it is too important to leave entirely to someone else. For young Nigerians, getting involved is not simply about choosing a candidate. It is about having a voice in the decisions that shape their lives and the future of the country.