The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the African Youth Growth Foundation (AYGF) have urged Nigerian youths to take ownership of the democratic space and actively participate in governance.

They made the call on Tuesday in Abuja at the National Youth Mentorship Conference on Sustainable Democratic Governance, themed: “Building Sustainable Pathways for Civic Leadership, Electoral Participation and Democratic Governance.”

Arome Salifu, executive director of AYGF, said youths, who constituted more than 70 per cent of Nigeria’s population, had both the responsibility and opportunity to shape the country’s political future.

Mr Salifu, however, lamented that youths had been systematically excluded, directly or indirectly, from meaningful participation in the democratic process and governance.

“This is what this conference is about to address. We have a youthful population, no doubt. The energy, the brilliance, the intellect, the intentions, and the charismatic nature of young people are well endowed. There is no doubt about it.

“When you ask every other African about Nigerians, they will tell you Nigerians are very industrious, creative, talented, and the best on the continent.

“However, when it comes to governance and democratic participation, they are totally missing in action. That is the fallacy of composition. And that is what we must not accept as a people and as a country,” he said.

Mr Salifu said the enactment of the Not Too Young to Run law was an important step but had not removed all barriers preventing youths from actively participating in politics.

“Across all political parties, how many young people are currently on the list of candidates? Of course, it is deliberate. But it is in your place to reclaim the ownership of the democratic space,” he said.

He urged youths to seek political power through lawful and democratic means rather than violence, electoral malpractice or intimidation.

Mr Salifu said political participation should involve organising, building networks, developing credible agendas, engaging in democratic processes and pursuing economic empowerment.

He called on stakeholders to create opportunities for youth economic empowerment while providing mentorship, civic education and leadership development to prepare young people for governance.

Sam Egwu, INEC resident electoral commissioner in Plateau, also urged youths to use elections as a peaceful means of expressing dissatisfaction with government and choosing competent leaders.

Speaking on “Voter Apathy in Nigeria’s Electoral Process: Implications for Democratic Legitimacy”, Mr Egwu said young people had a critical role in reversing the country’s declining voter turnout.

He said voter apathy posed a major threat to democratic legitimacy because governments elected by a small proportion of citizens could face questions about the breadth of their mandate.

Mr Egwu said that average voter turnout in Nigeria’s last three electoral cycles had remained between 30 per cent and 35 per cent.

He urged young Nigerians to demonstrate dissatisfaction with poor governance by voting rather than staying away from polling units.

“We need to show our public anger, not by resorting to violence, but by going to the polls to select the people that are popular,” he said.

Abubakar Sulaiman, director-general, National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), said youth inclusion was a fundamental requirement for legitimate and sustainable democracy.

Mr Sulaiman, represented by Christopher Ngara, director, Department of Democracy and Governance, identified unemployment, poverty, unequal access to education, weak institutions and limited political financing as major barriers.

He said youths were often treated as voters, campaign mobilisers and political foot soldiers rather than policymakers, legislators and leaders within the democratic system.

“In extreme cases, young people have also been vulnerable to political manipulation and mobilisation for political violence,” he said.

Mr Sulaiman said the situation must change, emphasising that meaningful youth participation was essential to ensuring the responsiveness, legitimacy and sustainability of Nigeria’s democracy.

Suleiman Mande, founder of The Mande Global Impact Consulting Limited, said the quality of Nigeria’s democracy depended largely on the character, knowledge and responsibility of its citizens.

Mr Mande urged young Nigerians to prepare for leadership by becoming informed, responsible and active citizens capable of contributing positively to democratic governance.

He encouraged youths to participate before, during and after elections, ask questions, demand transparency, respect the rule of law and remain engaged in governance.

“Before we demand accountability from institutions, we must first ask ourselves, are we accountable ourselves? Are we responsible citizens?” he asked.

(NAN)