“No one is born a good citizen; no nation is born a democracy. Rather, both are processes that continue to evolve over a lifetime. Young people must be included from birth. A society that cuts itself off from its youth severs its lifeline; it is condemned to bleed to death.” — Kofi Annan, Former Secretary-General of the United Nations

Young people under the age of 30 constitute more than half of Nigeria’s over 200 million population. While many are largely involved in activism or civic engagement, few are involved in the nation’s political process.

At every newspaper stand, group of young people will gather every morning to discuss headlines and at the end of every discussion is them condemning the age of political actors yet doing little or nothing to be part of the political process. Data has always shown that young people participate less in political party compared to older citizens. Evidence are available at every ward and local government meetings nationwide. You see older men and women attending ward meetings and actively participating in politics.

In any democratic environment, young people are game changers! We have seen that the presence of young people in decision making positions benefits all citizens and not just the youth. Young people are a force for transformative change, thus their participation in political process can impact on the quality of democratic governance.

Political participation is a fundamental democratic right. To be a player in politics, you really must be part of the game. I have always held this notion that the best way to change the system is by getting involved in the system. As being widely said, local faces need to resolve local conflicts. You cannot continue to be an arm-chair critic and condemn every actions of the government. The fundamental way is to have a larger representative of young people in decision making so our voice can be heard, and demands can be met.

The only way for the desired change to bear fruit is for many young people to get involved in politics. And to get involved, it begins with you identifying your ward and registering as a card carry member. The fear of the continuous dominance of the old guard will remain if we do not take that bold step. An increased political participation is what we need to oust our fear and common enemy.
As illustrated by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), “somebody who watches a football game for the first time and does not know the rules of the game is likely to leave the stadium disappointed. On the other hand, a person who uses every free minute to play football and knows everything about it will probably cherish every minute in the stadium.

“This applies to politics as well. A young person who has experienced the merits of democratic processes may be more inclined to become an active citizen.”

It is interesting to also note that the APC has given opportunities to many young people in both appointed and elective positions. Among whom are Hon. Akin Alabi; Hon. Shina Peller; Hadiza Bala Usman, Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA); Dr. Sanusi Ohiare, Executive Director, Rural Electrification Fund (REF), and many more.

It is important to note that the future of any political party, be it ruling, or opposition belongs to the youth. It is with this that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is again calling on young generations to become more involved and more committed in democratic process by registering to be an active member of the party. This registration exercise will usher in a new dawn in the history of Nigerian.

The young people in today’s politics will lead tomorrow’s public office. Take part now to take charge!

Olalekan Paul is the Lead of Progressive Professionals Forum (PPF), and can be reached via ibrahimolalekan001@yahoo.com