From Hope to Disappointment: How Young Nigerian Politicians Struggle with Corruption -By Isaac Asabor

In light of the increasing involvement of young individuals in political processes, the ‘Not Too Young to Run’ movement gains significant relevance. This initiative underscores the potential and capabilities of the youth, challenging the traditional thresholds of age for political candidacy. It advocates for the empowerment of young leaders and encourages their participation in governance, which is crucial for the representation of diverse perspectives within the political landscape. By lowering age barriers, the movement aims to foster a new generation of dynamic and innovative leaders who can contribute fresh ideas and drive progressive changes in society.

Without a doubt, youth participation in politics holds immense significance for both individuals and society as a whole.  In fact, exploring the benefits shows that youth participation in politics reinforces democracy as it engenders inclusive participation which is not only a fundamental political and democratic right but also crucial for building stable and peaceful societies.  Without a doubt, when young people actively engage in political processes, it strengthens democratic institutions and ensures that diverse voices are heard.

In a similar vein, youth participation allows policies to be shaped by the specific needs and aspirations of younger generations. By involving young individuals, governments can develop more effective and responsive policies that address contemporary challenges.

The foregoing view cannot be pooh-poohed as the youth represent a significant portion of the population. Their participation can significantly influence the balance of power and decision-making processes, even as harnessing their demographic strength can lead to better governance and representation.

In fact, when young people participate in politics, they gain a sense of empowerment. Their voices matter, and they can actively contribute to shaping their communities, and by extension, Nigeria. So, this empowerment fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility.

Not only that, political participation hones essential skills such as critical thinking, communication, negotiation, and leadership. These skills are transferable and valuable in various aspects of life.

Still in a similar vein, youth involvement in politics drives social change. They challenge the status quo, advocate for justice, and push for progressive reforms. Their energy and passion can lead to transformative shifts in society.

As if the benefits that are inherent in youth participation in politics are not enough as been highlighted in this context, it ensures that the concerns and perspectives of young people are adequately represented. Policies directly affecting them are more likely to be well-informed when youth have a seat at the decision-making table.

Further to the foregoing viewpoint is that engaging in politics exposes young individuals to civic education as it enables them to learn about governance, rights, responsibilities, and the functioning of democratic systems, particularly as this knowledge contributes to informed citizenship.

Still expressing this view from another perspective, it is expedient to opine that when young leaders actively participate, they inspire their peers to get involved, even as their actions create a ripple effect, encouraging more youth to engage in civic and political activities.

Again, youth participation is an investment in the future. This is as it is crystal clear that by nurturing politically aware and active citizens, societies ensure continuity and sustainable development.

Given the foregoing, it is not a misnomer to surmise that youth participation in politics is not only about individual rights but also about shaping a better collective future. Encouraging young people to participate ensures a vibrant and dynamic democracy that reflects the aspirations of all its citizens.

Ostensibly recognizing the importance of the youths on Nigeria’s leadership landscape, and given the pressure mounted from not a few of them some of them who can in this context be deemed to be activists, the “Not Too Young To Rule” campaign was introduced as a response to the demographic realities of Nigeria and the need to enhance youth participation in politics. The campaign began in May 2016 with the aim of reducing the age limit for running for political office. It was driven by the recognition that a significant portion of Nigeria’s population is young, with nearly 70% below the age of 35.

The federal government acknowledged this demographic trend and the potential of young Nigerians to contribute to governance and leadership. The “Not Too Young To Run” bill was passed into law on May 31, 2018, lowering the age for running for the office of the president from 40 to 35 years, House of Representatives from 30 to 25, and State House of Assembly from 30 to 25¹. This legislative change was intended to reflect the changing demographics and to usher in younger leaders, providing opportunities for representation that were not previously possible.

The successful passage of this bill was a landmark achievement for youth advocacy and democratic renewal in Nigeria. It represented a significant step towards including young people at the heart of politics and decision-making processes, aligning with global trends of younger leadership. The campaign and the resulting law aimed to empower the youth, encourage their active engagement in politics, and ensure that their voices are heard in the corridors of power.

Without resort to panegyric, the “Not Too Young To Run” campaign in Nigeria was a beacon of hope for many, signaling a new era of youthful leadership. However, the promise has been tarnished by some young politicians who have been embroiled in corruption scandals.

For instance, Abdulaziz Nyako, a sponsor of the Not Too Young To Run bill, Nyako is facing a N29 billion fraud trial, while Orji Uzor Kalu, the former governor of Abia State faced a N7.1 billion fraud trial, even as Ayodele Fayose, the former governor of Ekiti State was involved in a N6.9 billion money laundering trial. Added to the foregoing examples is Dimeji Bankole, the former Speaker of the House of Representatives who was cleared of fraud charges in 2012 after allegations of misappropriating tens of millions of dollars of government funds.

Worrisome enough in this context is that of SalisuBuhari, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives in Nigeria, who was involved in a certificate forgery scandal that significantly impacted his political career.

It will be recalled in this context that SalisuBuhari was appointed as the Speaker of the House of Representatives, which is the fourth-highest office in Nigeria. However, his tenure lasted for only six weeks before a scandal emerged. Investigative reports revealed that Buhari had falsified his age and forged certificates related to his education. Specifically:he claimed to have been born in 1963, but investigations showed he was actually born in 1970.

He claimed he graduated from the University of Toronto, but disappointedly, he never graduated from the university he claimed he graduated from, despite claiming to have attended it.

Not only that, his age despite being especially relevant because the Nigerian Constitution disqualified anyone below the age of 30 from running for election to the House.

Additionally, he falsely claimed to have completed his **National Youth Service at a specific company. Unfortunately, when confronted with these allegations, Buhari admitted to the forgery and apologized to the nation, resigning from the House of Representatives.

In fact, the alleged involvement of Yahaya Bello, former governor of Kogi State, in corruption cases has been a source of disillusionment for the youth, who view it as a betrayal of the promise and potential of their generation’s leadership.

Given the foregoing, anomalies that were unpatriotically demonstrated by some youths who ventured into politics as been cited in this context, it is disappointing to note that the purpose of the “Not Too Young To Run” Bill which was passed into law, even as it highlights the need for more comprehensive efforts to put young people at the heart of politics, governance, and decision-making processes in Nigeria is seemingly meaningless as some young political leaders’ actions cast doubt on the essence of the initiative.

In fact, generalizing the involvement of youthful political leaders in corruption undermined the trust that young people had placed in the political system.

Without a doubt, the realization that young Nigerians have squandered the opportunities afforded to them to pursue various political positions often evokes a profound sense of disappointment. This sentiment is particularly acute given the potential impact that fresh perspectives and innovative ideas could have on the political landscape. This is as the youths of today are equipped with the tools of education and technology, and are thereby well-positioned to instigate positive change.

Given the foregoing, it is disappointing as the failure to capitalize on these openings is not only hindering their personal growth but also stalling the nation’s progress. As the heartbeat of Nigeria’s future, it is imperative that the younger generation embraces these chances with the seriousness and dedication they warrant, ensuring that the trust placed in them is not misplaced but rather a stepping stone towards a more vibrant and dynamic political arena.

In fact, these cases highlight the challenges that come with integrating young leaders into politics, especially when faced with the temptations of corruption. The journey from hope to disappointment serves as a reminder that integrity and accountability must be the cornerstone of any political system, regardless of age.