2023: Inside the world of youths seeking elective positions

Ahead of the 2023 general elections, youths in the country have intensified moves to be part of the country’s political system by contesting for elective positions, Daily Trust Saturday reports. 

In Nigeria, the ‘Not-Too-Young-To-Run Bill was passed by the National Assembly and assented to by President Muhammadu Buhari to give the country’s youth ample opportunity to be part of governance.

On November 29, 2022, a non-profit civic hub of change makers committed to the promotion of democratic governance, human rights and civic engagement, Yiaga Africa, brought together over 150 young politicians seeking for elective office from the northern states of the country.

Daily Trust Saturday spoke with some of the participants to assess how prepared they are, their fears and challenges so far in their journey into politics.

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Oshaloto Oluyemisi Abidemi is the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for Yagba West state constituency of Kogi State. It’s her first time contesting into an elective office.

She said, “It’s been interesting so to speak because as we all know, there’s no voyage that does not come with its own challenges. 

“There’s nothing out of context really, it’s just me going into the political field, wanting to be voted for and then having to look for ways to actually win people to my side.

“The truth is, it doesn’t have any template. What works for A doesn’t work for B most times.

“One has to take more time doing things, it takes you away from whatever business you are doing before and then makes you more focused.

“You see another side of politics that you don’t get to see when canvassing for support for a particular candidate. It’s a bore game.

“For now, I am very hopeful because I have good intentions for my people and I know that by God’s grace, I will be there.”

Chrysanthus Ziphion is the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for Pankshin, Kanke and Kanam Federal constituency, Plateau State. He said he had lived a private life in the past doing business and now venturing into active politics.

“The experience has been a kick-like one—mixture of bitterness and all sorts of tastes.

“With the kind of sweet experiences, betrayals, people who are genuinely supporting you and those who turned out to be back stabbing you, I have learnt that Nigerian politics has been bastardised in the sense that if you do not have resources, don’t even think of going into politics and I think that it is a leadership position for service where you throw yourself out there for service but it is different in the Nigerian context.

“Today, people have turned it to be a money-making venture and that is why you see people taking it as a do or die affair. People are just after money and one is expected to have all the money.

“Secondly, you have to reach out widely. Be mentally and physically prepared. So far, so good, the journey has been very interesting to me, maybe because I am being driven by the courage of my convictions.

“Sometimes, those things that should actually make me feel discouraged, I laugh through them and you see me crossing the hurdles. I give glory to God, it has not been a smooth, all rosy and easy experience.

“The kind of support I got from the people really gives me hope and I have never taken politics as a do or die affair.”

Aga Thaddeus is the flag bearer of the Labour Party (LP) for Agasha constituency in the Benue State House of Assembly. He said he is a first timer.

“The experience is awesome, as a young candidate, my journey to politics is not that smooth despite my experience as a former student union leader. 

“So far, the challenges are nothing but funds, one needs the necessary resources to go about campaign and meeting stakeholders who can help in taking the ride.

“However, as a leader, there are diverse ways of going about leadership. It is all about representing the masses and so, some people alone should not take what belongs to the masses.”

On his part, Kabir Garba Abba, candidate of the PDP for Sumaila and Takai Federal Constituencies of Kano State, said he was contesting an elective position for the second time.

“The challenge is a matter of godfatherism and mentorship. The environment I come from, they really respect that a lot. If you are not following a Godfather, you are not likely to make it.

“Still, all hope is not lost. Before, I had some fears that this person is very powerful and people were saying you should join his party and the rest. I decided I will be in the opposition and try my best. 

“All the obstacles youth are facing in politics now are due to two things, either we are looking for money or giving recognition to older generations – giving them the opportunity to maintain their godfatherism.”

For Rukayat Motunrayo Shittu, the APC candidate for Owode Onire Constituency of Kwara State House of Assembly, she believes her experience in students’ politics would help her.

“As a young person, I have the experience of student politics, I was the first female Senate president of the Congress of the National Open University of Nigeria Students representing more than 85 study centres in Nigeria. I have toured all the local government areas in the state.

“Nothing good comes easy. We just have to fight for our space and if God crowns our efforts, we will be elected. Whatever the obstacles, I believe it’s just for a time and it will keep coming as we are solving it,” she said.

Abubakar Yusuf Tudun Murtala is the APGA candidate for Nassarawa Federal constituency of Kano State. He is also a first timer.

Speaking on his experience and the journey so far, he said, “We have the higher population and we have to be represented at the National Assembly. This prompted me to come out with a vision that deals with the development of women and the country at large.

“It’s not an easy task, we are facing a lot of challenges as starters, especially with financing but we have hope and are strategizing in influencing young people to accept that this system needs people like us to get there. I also believe that we are more knowledgeable and know how to solve contemporary issues and problems facing our country today.”