YOUTH AND POLITICS
By Com. Auwal Gombe
Young people are less visible and included in newer democratic governments compared to mature democratic systems.
This mirrors the poor manifestation of citizenship engagement in post-military populations, wherein it is unclear whether the purpose for non-participation stems from the basic political, social-economic modifications caused by democratisation or whether it is an underlying contrast with the patterns of young people’s engagement observed in standard democratic systems.
This needs to be clarified so that decision makers can respond to the necessities of youth in a Newer democratic government system. Citizenship participation in politics is a significant element of democratic governance all over the world including Nigeria.
Quite a number of reasons could be deduced for why many Nigerian citizens particularly the youths participate in politics or engage in governance related activities.
Some of the key factors why youths participate in Politics
- To change the structure of leadership and governance.
Obsessed by the leadership styles of past leaders which do not impact positively on the lives of common people on the streets of Nigeria and the continued existence of poverty amidst plenty, the Marginalisation of some parts of the country and the inequitable distribution of resources, some Nigerian youths participate in politics in order to change the structure and to herald
effective political leadership and developments especially in some states where young people are restricted into some political offices.
- To influence government policies and programmes:
The Civil society organisations
has forced government to be up and doing in socio-political issues affect the socio-economic lives of Nigerians. For instance, the agitation by Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), for minimum wage review and whistle blowing
action by SERAP have forced government to review workers salaries and recovered stolen funds. The
revolution—Now, equally was a conscious expression by youths to intimate the government about the failures of its socio-economic policies and the need to have an inclusive governance capable of affecting peoples’ life an it’s also inspire young people to participate in politics to bring stable changes in Nigeria. - To solicit for leadership roles and representation: Some youth who participate in politics do so in other
to be given position of leadership be it through contesting and vying for political offices or being appointed into
political offices. The-Not-Too-Young-To-Run movement is a welcomed development as it affords youth the right to
contest election into political offices they were excluded by virtue of age. It let’s youths to contest and participate based on transparency and accountability as a result of the movement many youths have contested and won elections. - For political socialisation: Youths in Nigeria also engage in politics not only because of economic gains
but for socio-psychological reasons. So that they can bring the rapid change in various communities they represent. However, it has helped to reduce unemployment. - To Participate in Decision Making:
Youths should be in the political offices to protect the interest of youths and bring new development as well as create job opportunities with the mission and vision to cause change.
To Bring the New Development:
As a result of Global system many Young minds have a capacity and knowledge to bring a digital economic development into the system to eradicate poverty among Nigerians especially young people.
Conclusion
Young people play vital parts in ensuring that they bring change to their society. This is can be achieved through political participation; formulation of political parties, vying for political offices as well as voting for others who contest elective positions. However, political engagements depend on the socio-economic and political climate with which politics is played. In Nigeria, politics is expensive, and majority of the youths are poor. Quite a
number of them are hostile due to the culture of violence which has characterised the system over the years.
Equally, the dominance of the ruling and political class whom they often re-cycled have all affected youth
political engagements in Nigeria the aged they always want to remain in power without allowing the young ones to try their best even if they allowed they will control them direct or indirect.
Recommendations
To ensure that Nigerian youths participate fully in politics, the following must take place:
- Adequate security of lives and property must be ensured as Nigerian political space is not safe;
- De-monetisation of politics through vote buying and exorbitant sales of forms. Politics is very expensive in Nigeria, so indigent but educated youth cannot afford the requirements of standing elections in
Nigeria except sponsored; - Digitalisation of some electoral processes like voting. The need to introduce electronic voting into the
electoral process no matter the cost is imperative; - Constitutional reforms. For instance, Reviewing qualifications and ages for political offices taking the youth into consideration is also important.
- Appointments of qualified youths into many positions of authorities.
A well articulated write up