By Hafsat Bello Bahara
In a compelling virtual stakeholders dialogue, Gidan Yanci highlighted the ongoing efforts and challenges faced by Nigerian youth in political participation through the ‘Not Too Young to Run’ initiative.
The Independent Mirror reports that the dialogue, which featured diverse speakers including young politicians and advocates, aimed to discuss and devise solutions for the myriad obstacles young people encounter in their quest for political involvement.
The ‘Not Too Young to Run’ initiative is a landmark movement in Nigeria that seeks to lower the age restrictions for political candidacy, thus encouraging more youth participation in governance.
However, despite this progressive legislation, young Nigerians still grapple with significant barriers such as financial constraints, entrenched godfatherism, and inadequate representation within the political landscape.
Adnan Mukhtar Adam, a notable youth politician and advocate, underscored the steep financial requirements as a major impediment. “The cost of nomination forms alone can be prohibitive,” Adam noted, calling for both legislative action and advocacy to mandate lower fees for young aspirants. He argued that reducing these costs is essential for leveling the playing field and fostering a more inclusive political environment.
Speakers also addressed the pervasive issue of godfatherism, where established political figures wield considerable influence, often stifling the political ambitions of young candidates. Adam shared his personal experiences, recounting how he had to seek the backing of political godfathers, only to face skepticism due to his youth and perceived inexperience.
This highlights a broader challenge where young politicians must navigate the complexities of gaining support without compromising their integrity or independence.
To combat these challenges, innovative solutions were proposed. Crowdfunding emerged as a viable strategy to mitigate financial burdens. By mobilizing community support and small donations, young candidates can build the necessary resources to mount credible campaigns.
Additionally, the speakers emphasized the importance of youth organizing themselves into cohesive groups to support one another, thereby reducing reliance on traditional power structures and fostering a culture of mutual aid and collective empowerment.
Amin, another speaker, discussed the effectiveness of the ‘Not Too Young to Run’ law in lowering age limits but pointed out that mere legislative change is insufficient without addressing the internal dynamics of political parties.
The dialogue highlighted that political parties need to create a more welcoming atmosphere for young aspirants, not just through rhetoric but by implementing concrete measures such as mentorship programs and equitable financial policies.
The dialogue concluded with a call to action, urging young people to take ownership of their political future.
This involves not only pushing for legislative changes but also engaging in continuous advocacy and grassroots organizing. The need for a paradigm shift was clear: young Nigerians must prioritize the collective good over personal gain, and be willing to make sacrifices to achieve meaningful participation in governance.
Gidan Yanci’s virtual dialogue illuminated both the enduring challenges and the potential pathways for young Nigerians aspiring to political office.
Through sustained effort and innovative approaches, there is hope that the vision of a politically vibrant and inclusive Nigeria can become a reality.
