Transitioning from Spectators to Leaders: Challenges and Prospects of Young People in Politics and Governance

Nigeria has one of the largest youth populations in the world, with over 60% of its citizens under the age of 25. Despite this demographic advantage, young people remain significantly underrepresented in governance and decision-making structures. While the #NotTooYoungToRun Act has lowered the age requirement for elective positions, systemic barriers—including financial constraints, political party discrimination, and cultural biases—continue to hinder youth participation.

For decades, conversations about the shrinking spaces and opportunities for meaningful youth engagement in development and their participation in political and decision-making processes have been ongoing. The political, socioeconomic, and cultural contexts of Nigerian society, as in many parts of the world, result in multiple forms of discrimination against young people, especially women and minority groups. Addressing these challenges requires treating young people as partners rather than beneficiaries of government-led initiatives and acknowledging their significant potential in driving change.

In addition to the challenges of limited and unequal access to opportunities, there is a concern about capacity and the need for young people in leadership positions to transition from being spectators to being leaders. They must showcase competence, deliver excellence, innovatively lead change, and foster youth agency in governance through mentorship.

Therefore, beyond mere inclusion, shouldn't young people themselves take charge in establishing a transparent, institutionally mandated, well-resourced, self-organized, inclusive, and contextually relevant community of practice for other young individuals?

Amid this backdrop, the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung, in collaboration with the Young Professionals in Policy and Development (YouPaD) and the Katsina State Directorate of Information and Communications Technology, organized the Agora by YouPaD Public Policy Conversation in Katsina State. This event targeted young leaders from political parties in Nigeria within the state.

The conversation provided an opportunity to amplify the stories of their journeys to political relevance and to create a community of practice (CoP) focused on mentoring more young people in the state. The discussion also highlighted the complex challenges facing young individuals in Katsina's political landscape and explored strategies for broader national political participation and relevance.

Mr. Naufal Ahmad, the pioneer Director General of the Katsina State Directorate of Information and Communications Technology, remarked during the panel discussion, "As young people, when we get opportunities to lead, we must over-deliver. Why? Because there is a pre-existing notion that we are underqualified, that we don’t deserve to be there, and that we are going to fail. So, if we succeed and over-deliver, we open more doors for others like us to attain those leadership positions."