An advocate for youth and women inclusion in governance, Omolara Svensson Busari, has demanded immediate structural reforms to enhance young people's involvement in Nigeria's political system.
Event Highlights Youth Political Awareness
Busari made this crucial call during the All Progressives Congress (APC) Youth in Politics Sensitisation 1.0 held at The Real Halleluyah Hall in Iyana Abonde, Ogbere Tioya, Ibadan, Oyo State. The event, which took place with support from the Akinyemi Akinpelu Foundation, gathered APC stakeholders, youth leaders, political educators, development partners, and aspiring young politicians for intensive discussions.
The programme, themed "Understanding Our Role in Active Politics," was convened under the Women and Youth in Active Politics Sensitisation Movement, focusing on political participation, civic responsibility, and leadership development.
Alarming Statistics on Youth Underrepresentation
In her keynote address, Busari expressed deep concern about the persistent marginalization of young people in governance despite Nigeria having one of the world's youngest populations. She revealed startling statistics, noting that "half of Nigeria's population is under 18, yet youth occupy barely 6.6 per cent of elective seats nationwide."
She warned that this significant underrepresentation is damaging political innovation, accountability, and democratic renewal in the country. Busari emphasized that the Not-Too-Young To Run constitutional amendment of 2018, which reduced age requirements for political offices, has failed to achieve meaningful youth inclusion.
"Reducing age requirements was only the first step," Busari stated. "The political system still keeps the youth at the margins through expensive nomination forms, party gatekeeping, poor mentorship pipelines, and lack of financial support."
Systemic Barriers and Practical Solutions
Busari also highlighted how socio-economic challenges, particularly high youth unemployment and underemployment, prevent young people from participating effectively in politics. "How do you tell a young graduate who is struggling to survive to fund a political campaign?" she questioned, adding that until systemic issues are resolved, politics will continue to favor the wealthy over the worthy.
The advocate addressed additional obstacles including high nomination costs, campaign financing difficulties, political intimidation, and limited confidence among youth. She introduced practical solutions such as:
- Mentorship models for aspiring leaders
- Digital mobilization strategies
- Coalition-building initiatives
- Ready-to-use campaign tools including three-year roadmaps
- Key performance indicators (KPIs) and small-scale budgets
- Candidate incubator frameworks
Busari described these resources as a "starter pack for emerging young leaders" that supports the movement's mission to train, mentor, fund, protect, and inspire youth political participation.
"If young people fail to participate, decisions will continue to be made for them rather than by them. The future they desire must be built with their own hands," Busari concluded.
Additional Voices Support Youth Political Empowerment
Former Executive Chairman of Ona Ara Local Government, Hon. Biliaminu Aderemi Ogundele (Jagunmolubao), emphasized the critical importance of youth awareness and active political engagement. He noted that youth are the nation's future and outnumber all other population categories, yet many remain unaware of their political roles.
Ogundele clarified that INEC defines youth as ages 18 to 35 and criticized individuals in their 40s or 50s who claim relevance in youth spaces. He described young people as "agents of change, a reservoir of fresh ideas, and vital mobilizers during elections" who are crucial for both the present and future of Nigeria.
He urged constitutional amendments to create a part-time Youth Parliamentary House that could serve as both an academy and training ground for emerging leaders. "Youth are crucial to our present and future, but the government has not done enough to empower them," Ogundele stressed.
APC chieftain Rasheed Yinka Folarin also addressed the gathering, highlighting the need to recognize genuine youth leadership. He stated that real youth leaders are not defined by age alone but are "agents of change, innovators, and mobilisers" who deserve political system support rather than suppression.
