Young Leaders In Nigeria Fail Due To Weak Political Brand, Short-Term Gains, And Overreliance On Urban Politics – Abioye Tosin Lawrence writes

News Update

The “Not Too Young to Run” rule, enacted in 2018, permitted younger candidates to run for president and other seats, encouraging more youth participation in politics. The concept that young political actors in Nigeria have “failed totally” reflects anger, but it may not fully capture the intricacies of the political scene.

When examining their failures, it is crucial to realize that many young political actors in Nigeria have experienced tremendous problems, which may explain why some appear to have failed due to the obstacles they confront.

As a result of weak political brand, strong network that brings like-minded individuals, activists, professionals on board to gain influence, “Omoyele Sowore, a journalist and the founder of Sahara Reporters, who ran under the platform of the African Action Congress, including other notable young candidates in the country, were unable to secure tangible vote.”

An insights into the factors contributing to perceived failure and the broader context in which they operate ranges from (The Old Guard), Because Nigeria’s political system is deeply rooted in an entrenched elite, where power is often passed down through family networks or political patronage.

Young political actors often find it hard to challenge these political dynasties that have maintained influence for decades. The dominance of older generations in key political positions makes it harder for young people to break through.

Many young actors, however, become integrated into established patronage networks, where allegiance to influential political leaders is compensated with political positions or backing. Positions such as Special Advisers, Personal Assistants, and representatives of constituencies at the federal level, senatorial districts, state assemblies, or local government areas may lead individuals to compromise their ideals due to the pervasive corruption within Nigeria’s political system.

Instead of using their positions to push for reforms, some young people may become complicit in the very system of corruption they hoped to eliminate.

Money and influence cannot be overstated in this regard; “the cost of running for office in Nigeria is extraordinarily high, prompting young politicians to seek financial support from powerful, established personalities or businesses with their own agendas.”

As a result, young politicians become indebted to their sponsors, making it harder for them to work independently and effect meaningful change.

Another hurdle is separation from the people, since many young politicians fail to engage with their constituencies at the grassroots level. Political success in Nigeria nowadays frequently depends on strong local support, and without it, even well-meaning teenagers suffer to make impact.

Young politicians in Nigeria frequently focus on metropolitan areas, while rural areas, which contain the majority of voters, are overlooked. As lack of organizational strength contributes to failure in developing an effective political organization, which is critical to political success.

Young actors in the country frequently lack the organizational infrastructure required to attract mass support, and without grassroots activity, their political efforts are less effective. They also deal with inexperience and a lack of political strategy.

It should be recognized that political immaturity leads to their downfall also, as many young Nigerian politicians lack the political maturity and experience required to manage the country’s complex political scene.

They frequently overlook the complexities of administration, policy creation, and the ability to establish strategic coalitions, rendering their political endeavors ineffective.

Nigerians frequently exhibit national pride and resilience, notwithstanding issues such as corruption.
Many people remain positive and continue to advocate for change, whether through activism or business. Because no African nation will survive if corrupt people continue to milk the country in the same way.

©Abioye Tosin Lawrence is the publisher of OrionTimes Online Newspaper.