Money politics continues to hinder youthful involvement in politics and governance, putting them at a disadvantage. This issue was highlighted during the Civic Fest Africa event held in Lagos to commemorate Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day. Themed “Sustainable Citizenship,” the festival aimed to inspire civic consciousness among youths and address various topics, including gender equality and economic empowerment.
The event’s co-founder, Habib Sheidu, emphasized the challenges faced by young people in participating in politics, citing the influence of money in elections. Despite the passage of the Not Too Young To Run bill, youth representation in government remains limited due to the high cost of participating in party politics. Sheidu stressed the need for a reimagining of the political system to promote transformative leadership.
Renowned figures like actor Segun Arinze supported the idea of a Youth Conference proposed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. However, some activists like Hamzat Lawal expressed concerns about the impact of money politics on the progress of youth inclusion in governance.
The blog also discusses the low representation of women in Nigerian politics and the efforts of organizations to support female candidates. Despite these challenges, there is a growing call for greater youth and female participation in politics to address critical issues affecting the country.