Youth in Politics: Beyond Protest to Participation

It’s not enough to shout from the sidelines anymore.

If you’re a young Nigerian reading this, I’m speaking directly to you. It’s time for a mindset shift—not just to understand politics, but to play the game. Not just to protest, but to participate. Not just to complain, but to act.

For far too long, Nigerian youths have been seen as the voice of frustration—loud online, passionate in the streets, but largely absent in the places where real power sits. That has to change.

📚 Knowing Our History Matters

You cannot fix a country you don’t understand.

One of our biggest weaknesses as a generation is how disconnected we are from our past. Most Nigerian youths (Me included) don’t truly know the history of this country beyond Independence Day and “colonial masters.” Our schools barely teach it, and many of us don’t bother to seek it out.

“A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.”
— Marcus Garvey

But history holds answers. It shows us how we got here, who made the decisions, and why certain systems still oppress us today.

Knowing your history isn’t just patriotic—it’s strategic. If you understand the past, you can make better decisions for the future, especially when it comes to choosing leaders.

🗣️ The Legacy of Youth Activism in Nigeria

Nigeria has a rich history of youth-led movements, demonstrating our capacity not just for resistance but for change.

✊🏾 Post-Independence Student Movements

Our universities have long been hubs of political resistance. In the decades after independence, student unions organized massive protests against military regimes, corruption, and anti-people policies. These young Nigerians weren’t just carrying placards—they were shaping national conversations.

“Student activism has always been the engine of political awareness in Nigeria. When students rise, the nation listens.”
— Prof. Pat Utomi

🔥 The #EndSARS Movement

Fast forward to 2020. The #EndSARS movement changed the game. Young Nigerians used social media to organize one of the largest youth-led protests in our history. The world watched as thousands demanded an end to police brutality, injustice, and failed leadership. It was more than a protest—it was a revolution of awareness.

“We were tired of being killed in silence. #EndSARS was us choosing to speak… and be heard.”
— Rinu Oduala, #EndSARS activist

We may not have gotten all the justice we demanded, but we found our voice.

🗳️ The #NotTooYoungToRun Movement

This wasn’t just a hashtag—it was legislation. Through the relentless efforts of young advocates, Nigeria passed a law that lowered the age requirement to run for office. Now, you can contest for the presidency at 35, and other offices at even younger ages--with the youngest age required being 25.

“We have broken a constitutional barrier. Now it’s time to break political ones.”
— Samson Itodo, convener of the Not Too Young To Run movement

It was a huge win. But it’s only a first step.

🚧 The Challenges Still Holding Us Back

Let’s be honest—this system is not built for youth inclusion. Here’s what we’re up against:

💸 Money Politics

You want to run for office? Good luck raising millions for nomination forms, campaign posters, and logistics. Even if you have ideas and competence, the political game in Nigeria often rewards the highest bidder, not the best brain.

“Politics should be about service, not sacrifice to the rich.”
— Aisha Yesufu, activist

🛑 Insecurity

Politics in Nigeria isn’t just expensive—it’s dangerous. People have died for simply having opinions. We saw it during #EndSARS. But here’s the hard truth: you’re at risk whether you participate or not. If you're going to be affected either way, why not get involved and try to change things?

🧱 Gatekeeping by the Old Guard

Do they even let us participate? Not easily. Political parties are dominated by the same old faces. Decision-making happens in closed rooms. But that’s no excuse to opt out.

“The same hands can’t keep writing our story. We need new authors.”
— Oby Ezekwesili, public policy advocate

If they won’t open the doors, we’ll build our own house.

🧠 But Do You Have To Be a Politician to Create Change?

No, you don’t.

You can drive change through entrepreneurship, education, innovation, or social impact. But—and this is crucial—you still need to be politically aware. You must care about who gets elected, what policies get passed, and how your taxes are used.

Even if you never run for office, you must vote. You must organize. You must hold leaders accountable.

🧨 The Obidient Movement: A Glimpse of What’s Possible

Remember 2023? The Obidient Movement showed us something incredible: when Nigerian youths unite with purpose, we shake the entire system. Fueled largely by the pain of #EndSARS, millions of young people came out to support Peter Obi, a candidate they believed in—not because of tribe or money, but values.

He didn’t win, but he came very close. The impact was undeniable. Minor political parties gained seats. The political map shifted. And, for once, politicians began to fear the youth vote.

We need more of that. Not just during elections—but every day.

🔢 The Numbers Don’t Lie

According to the National Bureau of Statistics, Nigeria’s youth (ages 15–35) make up around 70% of the population.That’s roughly 160 million people.

Read that again.

Now ask yourself: If we are 70% of the country, why do we let the remaining 30% keep choosing our leaders for us?

When was the last time you voted?
When did you last attend a town hall?
Have you ever joined a political party?

We complain every four years, but many of us don’t even show up at the polls. Meanwhile, others are exchanging votes for a bag of rice and a t-shirt.

If we want different results, we must change our approach.

✊🏾 So, What Can You Do?

• Vote. Seriously, this is the bare minimum. Register. Show up. Every single time.
• Join a political party. Don’t just talk from the sidelines. Get inside and change it from within. If the old structures are rigid, look for emerging parties or movements that align with your values. Your presence matters
• Support young, credible candidates. Campaign, donate, amplify.
• Study Nigeria’s history and constitution. Read. Ask questions. Know the game, its rules, and its loopholes. Knowledge is power.
• Use your platform. If you have influence—online or offline—use it for civic education.
• Stay engaged between elections. Politics isn’t seasonal. Keep watching, keep demanding.
• Support and build youth-led initiatives. Look for and contribute to organizations and movements that are actively working to bridge the gap between protest and participation

💬 Let’s Talk, Learn, and Lead

You don’t have to be perfect to participate.
You don’t have to be rich to make a difference.
You don’t have to wait for permission.

You just have to care.

Let this article be your spark. Share it. Talk about it. Challenge your friends to do better. And if you're ready to be part of a youth-driven political awakening—join my newsletter below. Let’s build something bigger together.

The future of Nigeria is not waiting for us—it’s already happening. The only question is: Will you be part of it?

👥 I want to hear from you.
What does political participation mean to you?
Have you voted before? Would you consider running for office someday?

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