Why Nigerian youths must organise
Out of Nigeria’s roughly 250 million people, more than 50 million are young people aged 16–35. This demographic fact is obvious, yet its implications remain insufficiently grasped—not only by policymakers, but by democracy itself. Nigerian democracy now stands at crossroads. On one side are the political actors who systematically extract from the system for private […]
Nigeria's population exceeds 250 million, with over 50 million individuals falling within the 16-35 age group. This youthful demographic is often overlooked by those in power and democracy itself. Nigeria's democracy now finds itself at a critical juncture, with political actors extracting benefits for themselves while citizens' trust in institutions continues to wane.
Free and fair elections have become as unpredictable as the national power supply, with inconsistent support for electoral bodies like INEC across different states. This structural inconsistency poses a significant challenge for the upcoming 2027 general elections.
The primary concern lies with the youth, who form the largest population bloc. However, numbers alone do not equate to power. Only a dedicated minority among young people can drive meaningful change. Nigerian youth are entering another election cycle in a political system that rewards sycophancy over accountability. Democracy's integrity is under threat so long as voters' trust remains questionable.
How did we reach this point? The answer is both painful and multifaceted. Governance has become a race to empty the public treasury, funded by taxpayers for infrastructure and services that should improve the lives of ordinary citizens.
Over half of Nigeria's population now lives in extreme poverty, including a generation of young people who feel marginalized and impoverished. Political apathy is not the solution; young people must transition from being passive observers to active participants in the political process. First, they must reaffirm their faith in democratic processes, making this election cycle a priority.
They must be prepared to challenge the status quo, as the current political class is corrupt, self-serving, and adept at manipulation. Until they confront these challenges with conviction and sustained effort, electoral outcomes will continue to favor the powerful over the people.
Educated and organized young Nigerians have a particular responsibility to reach those who are not. With a significant portion of young Nigerians lacking formal education, the out-of-school crisis extends beyond children to include many young adults. The roughly 20% of youth with the resources, networks, and education must treat this as a collective responsibility. They cannot afford half-measures, laziness, or aloofness. The task at hand requires everyone to pitch in.
Nigeria's economic circumstances should not diminish the importance of political voices. Those bearing the brunt of bad governance have the greatest stake in effecting change. Election Day should be more than a spectacle; it should be a day when Nigerian youths exercise their power - the power to choose who governs them. The 2027 election presents a golden opportunity for young Nigerians to rise above political elites and demand a more accountable system.
As Dr Usman Bugaje aptly stated, "2027 is a chance for the youths to take back their country." It is time to stop imitating the worst traits of the current political class and begin the arduous work of replacing them. The power to change lies in our hands; we must refuse to be manipulated and trust in the strength of our collective vote.
Written by urgent.news from Daily Trust's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
