A senior political aide has come out to back calls for Nigerian youths, particularly those from Northern Nigeria, to increase their participation in politics all across Nigeria.
Speaking via a press statement, Haroon Aji Damisa, Senior Special Assistant for Digital Media to Comr. Aliyu Ak Balarabe, backed his principal’s recent video message that called for improved youth political engagement.
“It is evident that the future of our nation depends on the strength, resilience, and involvement of its youth,” he said.
This is coming amid the realization that there is an obvious need for a higher representation of Nigerian youths in the country’s democratic processes. Balarabe listed precise steps young Nigerians need to take to boost their political participation.
According to him, seeking elective positions, backing credible candidates, partaking in grassroots mobilization efforts, and voter registration will go a long way towards making Nigerian youths more involved in Nigeria’s politics, especially when combined with policy advocacy and active participation in political discussions.
“I encourage young people to register as voters, seek elective offices, support credible candidates, and actively engage in grassroots mobilization, policy advocacy, and political discussions. Only through such participation can we secure the future we desire,” Balarabe said.
He urged Northern Nigerian youths to display their leadership abilities by rising to the challenge and increasing their voices, stressing that the country will only take them more seriously if they prove they are capable of leading with vision.
“Let us rise to the challenge, amplify our voices, and prove that Northern youths are not only ready but capable of leading with vision and purpose,” he added.
The call reiterates the need to bridge generational gaps in Nigeria’s politics, and if heeded, it will guarantee more youths having tangible representation in governance structures at the federal, state, and local levels.
Several political analysts have been suggesting increased youth participation in recent times. They believe young Nigerians have what it takes to offer new perspectives to address Nigeria’s lingering governance problems.
The experts are of the opinion that further youth participation would tackle issues relevant to younger demographics, including employment, education, and technological advancement.
Balarabe’s rallying cry is coming at a crucial time when several youth movements have been gaining momentum across the continent, with more young leaders taking key roles in various countries’ governance structures.
