Political Parties in Nigeria as key ex/inclusive space for youth participation in electoral politics
Abstract Code: 33240

Abstract

Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa. About 63% of the over 200 million population are under 25 years. As a country of predominantly young and resourceful people that is highly public sector driven, the active political participation of youth, in terms of adequate representation, political leadership and decision-making is essential for good democracy and overall development. While this is very desirable, the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) observed that discussions on youth participation in politics have been more on the role of young people as activists and voters, than on their elections into political office (IPU, 2019:4). Thus this paper, using desk research and interviews, evaluates political parties as important space for youth participation in the electoral process and the democratic space in Nigeria. The findings show that the dominant political parties have been more exclusive than inclusive for youth in the practical sense of it. Three factors were identified viz: the legal requirements that say candidates in elections at all levels must be members of registered political parties - no room for independent candidacy, and also the legal limitation on the minimum age of candidates. Secondly is the financial limitation in terms of high cost of nomination forms by the political parties, and this is also connected to 'godfatherism'. Thirdly is the socio-cultural factor. The paper concludes that there is a need to radically amend the legal framework in a way that will intentionally make the space more inclusive for young people, along with massive political education/re-orientation.