A human rights lawyer, Adamu Kabiru Adamu, has called on Nigerian youths to step up their involvement in politics, warning that their continued absence from leadership positions is dangerous for the country’s future.
Adamu, in a statement made available to journalists on Monday, said Nigeria’s political space had been dominated for decades by people in their 50s and 60s, while younger citizens often restrict themselves to campaigning, singing praises, or depending on political godfathers.
“It is disheartening that rather than aspiring to lead, Nigerian youths are often found begging from politicians, attaching themselves to political godfathers, and abandoning the responsibility of shaping the future of this nation,” the statement read in part.
The lawyer argued that with the “Not Too Young To Run Act” lowering the constitutional barriers for youths to contest elections, there was no reason for young people to remain on the sidelines.
According to the Constitution, the minimum age to contest for the House of Assembly or House of Representatives is 25 years, 30 years for Senate and Governorship, and 35 years for the Presidency.
Adamu noted that educational requirements for elective offices are equally within reach of most young Nigerians.
“Yet, the reality is different. Nigerian youths continue to distance themselves from politics, choosing instead to play secondary roles by campaigning for older politicians, collecting stipends, and begging for handouts,” he said.
He listed four major factors limiting youth participation — overdependence on older politicians for survival, fear of financial challenges, lack of unity among youths, and political apathy.
The lawyer stressed that Nigeria could not experience real change unless young people contest elections rather than serve as mere cheerleaders.
“The Constitution has already given them the right. The question is no longer ‘can we contest?’ but ‘when will we contest?’” he added.
Adamu urged youths across the 36 states and the FCT to join political parties, contest elective positions, develop ideologies rooted in justice and good governance, and reject tokenism that keeps them perpetually dependent.
“The future of Nigeria will not be delivered to the youths on a platter; it must be taken through active political participation,” he declared.
