Nigerian Youths and the Importance of Political Representation

According to some studies, the Nigerian youth have grown disillusioned with the current political situation in Nigeria, and as it stands, these young adults make up more than half of the population in this nation. Although many are of voting age and eligible to take part in Nigerian politics, less than 20% actually register to vote, so how can Nigeria hope to move forward if its own citizens don’t take an active role in its governance? This article will discuss why Nigerian youths need quality political representation in order to improve the state of affairs throughout the country.

Nigerians need youthful representation

The youth make up a significant portion of Nigeria’s population, but their voice is rarely represented in Nigerian politics. Politicians are often reticent to engage with youths because they are less likely to vote or volunteer in elections, even though they have an important stake in how Nigeria develops politically. To ensure that youthful voices are heard at all levels of governance, it’s time for Nigerians to push for more political representation for youths.

The consequences of non-representation

Nigerian youths, who are supposed to be the future leaders of our country, are without adequate representation. Many times there is a great disparity between those who make laws and those who have to follow them. With these in place it is easy for politicians to manipulate laws they create to their advantage and not their constituents’. This makes it easier for their malevolent behaviors to go undetected by anyone other than those directly affected by their decisions or in some cases no one at all. Another issue at hand is that Nigerian politicians cannot be trusted because it does not seem like they would have any need for us once we are gone so why should we trust them now? If a politician has more pressing matters at home then what incentive do they have to improve things for Nigerian youths especially if Nigerian youths do not vote en masse? Since the younger generation is notoriously uninvolved in politics (both nationally and locally) it becomes apparent that most Nigerian political parties will only try to help Nigerian youths if it brings them political gains but how can one help when voting rates remain abysmally low? The importance of youth involvement: The government only pays attention when something affects its popularity with voters. Politicians need numbers; getting young people involved in politics will give politicians better insight into what specific problems affect our community. Instead of being seen as whiny troublemakers, young people will finally be seen as organized members with quantifiable problems instead of generic complaints.

Youth must participate in political decision making

Nigeria is still in a state of political instability that has many youths living under harsh conditions, unemployment rates are at an all-time high and it is just a matter of time before youths start to revolt against Nigeria’s ineffective government. Youthful representation allows politicians to understand Nigerian youths' problems since they can relate with them on multiple levels. The political party you represent determines whether or not you are deemed as youthful representation; if your party does not give sufficient attention to Nigerian youths, then you might want to reconsider joining said party. For any country to develop, their youth must be given equal opportunities so that they can contribute meaningfully in fields such as politics for their country to prosper. It is crucial for Nigerian youths to get involved in politics if we expect our country to achieve true development and prosperity.

By Omasanjuwa Ogharandukun