By Samuela Isopi
In preparation for the general elections, the European Union (EU) strongly that the youth remain key actors for change and development, particularly for Nigeria’s nascent democracy. The world today is very young. It is home to 1.2 billion young people aged 15 to 24, representing the largest young generation in history.
There are high geographic disparities, with Africa leading in the number of young men and women worldwide. In fact, three quarters of the population is below 35. Yet, young people across the world are facing similar challenges linked to job creation and labour markets, globalisation, governance or the impact of climate change.
More than one fifth of young people are not in employment, education or training, and the global youth unemployment rate of 13.6 per cent is three times higher as of adults, with young women being the most
vulnerable. Inequality can push young people into political apathy, radicalization, crime or irregular migration. Nigeria is not an exception.
While Nigeria is estimated to be about 219 million people, the youth are estimated to account for nearly 70
per cent of the country’s population. This shows that the impact and contributions of this young demography cannot be overlooked or underestimated, especially if the country is to reap the dividends of democracy in terms of its economy and governance.
The country has already seen the increasing leadership role of the youth in fighting climate change, advancing digital entrepreneurship and demanding sound democratic governance.
In Nigeria, young people can and are already providing novel solutions to today’s challenges. Therefore, tapping into this potential and supporting young women and men is key for sustainable development. Young people have also historically demonstrated a capacity to lead and effect change for the betterment of society.
Hence, their inclusion in the electoral process and as political representatives is good for the development
of the nation.
However, what we see is a dire shortage of young people occupying the political space, either because of disempowerment, or alienation, or their perception that their involvement would not matter. This is why
adopting a youth-inclusive legal framework is a primary step in mainstreaming the youth in the political life
of the country.
This would allow youth to participate formally and improve their political roles in their societies. It could be like making the age limit for voting to be youth-inclusive and establishing favorable legal conditions to enable youth engage in elections.
In this regard, the passage of the ‘not too young to run’ law is a step in the right direction. However, while the passage of the law has expanded the space for youth political participation, it has not translated into a quantitative increase in youth political participation.
A recent youth candidacy report published by Yiaga Africa records a decline in youth candidacy from 34
per cent in 2019 to 28.6 per cent in the 2023 elections. This decline can be attributed to a series of factors
including the high cost of nomination forms and lack of inclusion within political parties.
The lesson we need to take from this, is that a good law is only as good as its targeted and coordinated implementation, and the political will to make a change. The job is only half done, and we must continue to do our part in fulfilling the objective of a more inclusive democratic experience.
The EU will continue to walk the talk and partner with all stakeholders in the process. This is why the European Union’s election assistance programmes are a fundamental part of our action to promote youth inclusion, human rights and civil society participation.
The EU has its youth policy that guides our youth engagement until 2027. The strategy promotes youth participation in democratic life; it also supports social and civic engagement and ensures that all young
people have the necessary resources to play their role in the society.
The EU Youth Strategy focuses on three principles– engage, connect and empower. Through our non-partisan initiatives, including conferences, we hope to empower young people to know that they have what it takes to successfully run and win political offices.
It is, however, important that the youths remember that when they attain political offices, they must
ensure that the primary objective of deepening democracy and providing inclusive, sustainable and
effective leadership occupies the front burner in their agenda.
Youth in politics and those aspiring to political offices must prioritize sincerity of purpose and place the collective interest of the Nigerian people and of the Nigerian nation above all.
The EU will continue to provide support and do all it can to promote effective youth political participation.
The general elections are just days away. As a longstanding partner, the EU shares Nigerians’ interest to see a solid process leading to peaceful, transparent and credible elections. While urging all critical stakeholders to do all within their capacity to bequeath peaceful, credible and transparent elections, the EU would like to encourage young Nigerians to go out in their numbers on the election days to vote for their preferred candidates, without fear that their votes will not count, because they will. Your PVC is your
power. Use it!
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