In every society, the energy, vision, and creativity of the youth form the backbone of progress. Yet, in Nigeria—a country with one of the largest youth populations in the world—the political space remains dominated by aging elites who have held power for decades. This persistent control by the same class of leaders has created a disconnection between governance and the realities of the modern Nigerian youth. While the nation’s political history is marked by cycles of corruption, mismanagement, and recycled leadership, there is a growing realization among young people that the change they desire cannot come from the same old order. It must be driven by them.
However, one of the greatest obstacles to youth participation in Nigerian politics is the pervasive influence of money. Politics in Nigeria has become an expensive enterprise—so expensive that it seems designed to exclude anyone without deep pockets. From party nomination forms that cost millions of naira to the astronomical sums spent on campaigns and vote-buying, the entire system favours the wealthy and well-connected. For the average Nigerian youth, struggling to make ends meet in an economy marked by high unemployment and inflation, contesting an election feels like an impossible dream.
Recently, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar declared that he would “support and mentor any younger aspirant who defeats him in his party’s presidential primary.” The statement, made in October 2025, sounded progressive on the surface—a gesture toward generational inclusion. But it also raises a deeper question: Do Nigerian youths really stand a chance against politicians like him? In a political system where access to power often depends not on vision or competence but on money, connections, and godfather networks, the odds are stacked heavily against the youth. The remark, though seemingly magnanimous, exposes the fundamental inequality within Nigeria’s democracy—where participation is open to all in theory, but in practice reserved for the privileged few.
It is no secret that politics in Nigeria has been captured by those who see public office as a means to accumulate wealth and secure future power. The culture of looting, vote-buying, and self-perpetuation has created a political economy where leadership is purchased, not earned. Many leaders misuse public funds to build influence, bribe party delegates, and finance their next ambitions. This vicious cycle leaves little room for fresh, sincere contenders who wish to serve, not enrich themselves. The result is a political landscape where integrity and ideas are overshadowed by cash and connections.
Yet, despite these challenges, the call for youth involvement in politics is more urgent than ever. Nigerian youths have shown their capacity to mobilize, innovate, and challenge the status quo in various spheres—from entertainment and technology to activism and entrepreneurship. The #EndSARS movement of 2020 stands as a defining example of youth power. It demonstrated that young Nigerians are not politically apathetic; they are frustrated by a system that silences them. The movement was not just about police brutality—it was a loud cry for accountability, justice, and good governance.
But activism alone cannot replace political participation. While protests can shake the system, politics is where real change is institutionalized. Youths must therefore channel their collective energy beyond the streets and into the political process itself—registering to vote, joining political parties, engaging in policy debates, and, when possible, running for office. Political participation is not limited to contesting elections; it includes shaping public opinion, influencing policy, and holding leaders accountable.
The argument that “politics is dirty” has long discouraged many young Nigerians from getting involved. But that very perception has allowed corrupt politicians to dominate the space unchecked. Politics, by nature, is neither clean nor dirty—it reflects the character of those who participate in it. If young, idealistic, and forward-thinking Nigerians continue to stay away, the cycle of corruption will continue unchallenged. The antidote to bad politics is not withdrawal, but engagement. As the saying goes, “If you are not at the table, you are on the menu.”
To drive change, Nigerian youths must first recognize their power. According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), youths make up over 60% of registered voters. This demographic advantage, if properly organized, can decisively shape election outcomes. However, political apathy, vote-selling, and lack of unity have often neutralized this strength. Many young people sell their votes for a few thousand naira, unaware that such short-term gain translates to long-term suffering under bad leadership. Others abstain completely, claiming that “their votes don’t count.” But democracy thrives on participation, not cynicism. A collective and consistent youth turnout can redefine the nation’s political direction.
Equally important is the need for political education. Many young Nigerians are disengaged not because they lack interest, but because they lack understanding of how the system works. Civic education—both formal and informal—must therefore be prioritized. Schools, religious institutions, and social media platforms should become spaces for political awareness, where young people learn about governance, accountability, and their constitutional rights. Knowledge is the first tool of liberation; only an informed generation can make informed choices.
Furthermore, young people must learn to build alliances and platforms of influence. Change cannot happen in isolation. Forming youth-led political movements, pressure groups, and think tanks can provide the structure and visibility necessary to challenge the existing power structure. Independent youth platforms can also serve as training grounds for leadership, policy innovation, and community engagement. Rather than waiting for existing parties to “give them a chance,” young Nigerians can begin creating new spaces that reflect their values of transparency, inclusiveness, and progress.
Technology also provides a unique advantage for this generation. Social media has already proven to be a powerful tool for mobilization, awareness, and accountability. However, the youth must learn to move beyond hashtags and online debates to real-life organization and political strategy. Digital platforms should be used not just for expression, but for coordination—linking like-minded individuals across regions, building databases of voters, and funding grassroots campaigns through transparent crowdfunding.
The hope for the average Nigerian youth may seem dim in a political system built on patronage and money. But history shows that every generation must fight for its place. The older generation of leaders will not voluntarily hand over power—they must be challenged through persistent civic engagement and political participation. The struggle for representation is not an event; it is a process. Even if immediate victories are few, each attempt chips away at the wall of exclusion.
Ultimately, Nigeria’s political transformation depends on its youth. They are not just the leaders of tomorrow—they must be co-leaders of today. The future of this country cannot be entrusted solely to those who have failed it repeatedly. It belongs to those who dare to envision a better Nigeria and are willing to work for it. The journey may be long and difficult, but every revolution in history began with individuals who refused to accept things as they were.
The average Nigerian youth may not have the millions required to buy votes or bribe delegates. But they have something far more valuable: numbers, ideas, energy, and the moral high ground. When these are united towards a common goal, they become a force that no system can suppress indefinitely. Change will not come overnight—but it will come if the youth remain resilient, strategic, and united in purpose.
As the popular saying goes, “The future belongs to those who prepare for it today.” If the Nigerian youth truly desire a different kind of leadership—one rooted in justice, accountability, and progress—then the time to act is now. It is not enough to complain about bad leaders; we must produce and support better ones among ourselves. The road may be rough, but history will remember this generation not for what it endured, but for the change it ignited.
