Nigerian Youths: Shaping Democracy or Just Participating?

The article examines the involvement of Nigerian youths in the democratic process, emphasizing their emergence as a visible force through social media activism and mass mobilization, particularly during the EndSARS protests in 2020. This movement began as a response to police brutality and evolved into broader calls for government accountability and respect for citizens' rights.

Despite constituting a significant demographic, with a median age of just 18, Nigerian youths have struggled to translate their participation into sustained political power. The article notes that while they have influenced public discourse and voter turnout, particularly in the 2023 presidential elections, they remain a minor decision-making force within the political system.

It calls for a shift in strategy, urging youths to engage in the political machinery beyond protests and to build party structures to ensure their voices are heard in governance.