“The ideal political system is one where youth and experience work hand in hand where the energy of the young is guided by the wisdom of the old.”
Nigeria’s democracy continues to evolve amid increasing calls for broader inclusion of young people in politics and governance. In recent years, the “Not Too Young To Run” movement has reshaped national discourse by challenging long standing barriers that have historically limited youth participation in leadership. It has inspired hope, awakened political consciousness, and created a platform for a new generation of Nigerians to aspire to public office.
However, while the call for youth inclusion is both timely and necessary, the conversation must remain balanced and constructive. In advocating for younger leadership, we must not unintentionally undermine the enduring value of older generations whose experience, institutional memory, and political wisdom remain vital to national development. Leadership should not be determined solely by age, whether young or old, but by competence, character, capacity, and the ability to deliver results.
Nigeria is a youthful nation. With over 60 percent of its population under the age of 35, young people constitute the largest demographic bloc and represent a powerful force for innovation, productivity, and democratic participation. Yet despite these numbers, many youths remain underrepresented in governance, often relegated to the margins of decisionmaking processes.
Political participation goes beyond voting during elections. It includes active engagement in policy discussions, contesting for elective positions, participating in political party structures, advocacy, civic engagement, and contributing to governance at local, state, and national levels. Youths are increasingly active in these areas, particularly through digital platforms that amplify voices and mobilize support around national issues.
The enactment of the Not Too Young To Run Act was a landmark achievement in Nigeria’s democratic journey. By reducing age requirements for elective offices, it legally opened doors for younger candidates to contest and serve. This reform signaled a recognition that leadership potential is not the exclusive preserve of any age group.
Beyond legal reforms, social media and digital activism have become powerful tools for youth political engagement. Platforms such as X, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok have enabled young Nigerians to organize movements, demand accountability, and shape public discourse in ways previously unimaginable. These tools have democratized political communication and challenged traditional structures of influence.
Despite these opportunities, significant barriers remain. One of the greatest challenges facing youth participation in politics is the high cost of political engagement. Nomination forms, campaign financing, and the logistics of mobilization often place elective positions beyond the reach of many capable young Nigerians.
Godfatherism and entrenched political interests also continue to hinder youth inclusion. In many instances, internal party structures are dominated by older, established political actors who control access to tickets and resources. This weak internal democracy discourages credible young aspirants and limits political competition.
Political violence, intimidation, and electoral malpractice further discourage youth participation. Many young people who have the passion and competence to serve are unwilling to expose themselves to a political environment perceived as hostile or unsafe.
At the same time, some political appointments given to youths are merely symbolic. Tokenism without meaningful authority or opportunities to influence policy does little to advance genuine inclusion.
While experience remains invaluable in governance, it is important to acknowledge that certain longterm decisions—particularly those concerning education, technology, climate change, employment, digital economies, and constitutional reforms will have their greatest impact decades into the future. In many cases, the individuals making these decisions today may not be alive to witness their full consequences, while the younger generation will inherit both the benefits and the burdens of such policies. It is therefore only fair and strategic that youths, who will live through and be directly affected by these long term outcomes, should have a seat at the decision-making table.
A 70 year old policymaker may design a 30 year economic, educational, or environmental roadmap, but it is today’s 20 and 30 year olds who will implement, sustain, and ultimately live with the results of those decisions. Excluding them from the process creates a dangerous disconnect between policy formulation and future realities.
This does not diminish the wisdom of older leaders; rather, it underscores the need for intergenerational collaboration where experience provides guidance and youths provide perspective on the future they will inherit.
A practical example of youth inclusion in governance can be seen in the Office of the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, under the leadership of His Excellency, Senator Kashim Shettima. As a leader who strongly believes in empowering the younger generation, the Vice President has created opportunities for young professionals to actively contribute to governance and national development. A significant percentage of aides and support staff within his office are youths who bring innovation, energy, and fresh perspectives to policy implementation and administrative coordination.
These young aides are not merely occupying ceremonial positions; they play active roles in driving initiatives, providing technical support, coordinating programs, engaging stakeholders, and introducing innovative solutions that improve efficiency within the office. Their contributions demonstrate that when youths are entrusted with responsibility and guided by experienced leadership, they can deliver exceptional results.
Youth inclusion in governance must not be limited to appointments at the federal level alone. It should be a deliberate and structured policy across all tiers of government from local government councils to state governments and federal ministries, departments, and agencies. If Nigeria is serious about building a sustainable future, young people must be given real opportunities to lead and participate where decisions directly affect communities.
At the local government level, youths should be encouraged and supported to emerge as councillors and local government chairmen, where they can directly influence grassroots development and understand governance from the foundation. At the state level, qualified young people should be appointed as commissioners, special advisers, and members of boards and agencies. They should also be encouraged to contest for seats in State Houses of Assembly and the National Assembly, where laws and policies are formulated.
In federal ministries and agencies, youth representation should move beyond junior support roles to positions where strategic decisions are made. Young professionals should be part of policy design, innovation teams, and executive leadership structures. Their familiarity with technology, evolving economic realities, and modern social dynamics makes them indispensable in shaping responsive governance.
The closer governance is to the people, the more important youth inclusion becomes, because many of the policies made at local and state levels have immediate and long term consequences on education, infrastructure, healthcare, security, and economic opportunities for the younger generation.
As someone who has worked closely within government and political structures, I have witnessed first hand the impact of youth inclusion in governance and the transformational results that can be achieved when young people are entrusted with responsibility.
The ideal political system is one where youth and experience work hand in hand where the energy of the young is guided by the wisdom of the old. Young people bring creativity, innovation, technological awareness, and bold ideas. Older leaders bring stability, networks, institutional memory, and strategic insight. Together, they can create a stronger and more inclusive democracy.
Political parties must play a central role in this process by strengthening youth wings, reducing barriers to candidacy, promoting fair primaries, and institutionalizing mentorship programs. Leadership development initiatives and civic education must also be expanded to prepare young people for public service.
Furthermore, government should consider policies that encourage youth inclusion, such as reducing nomination fees, creating youth advisory councils, and implementing quotas or affirmative frameworks where necessary.
Nigeria’s greatest asset is not merely its natural resources, but its human capital particularly its youth population. Harnessing this demographic advantage while preserving the wisdom and experience of older generations is the key to building a resilient, innovative, and prosperous nation.
Nigeria cannot afford to waste the strength of its youth nor ignore the wisdom of its elders. The future of our democracy lies in building bridges between generations, not walls. We must create a system where leadership is earned through competence, sustained by service, and strengthened by collaboration.
The question should not be whether one is too young or too old to serve. The real question is whether one is prepared, capable, and committed to national progress.
Nigeria must move beyond generational politics and embrace generational partnership. Only then can we build a nation where every capable citizen young or old has the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to governance and development.
Ameen Amshi PhD is a Public affairs analyst and a Senior aide to Vice President Kashim Shettima
