Nigeria is a country governed largely by older political leaders. According to the National Population Commission, over 60% of the population is under the age of 35, and nearly 75% below 40. Young people make up the largest percentage of Nigeria’s population. Yet, this number has not translated into balanced political power. Instead, Nigerian youths remain on one side of governance. They are active, vocal, and aware, but often excluded from active participation.

In recent years, there has been a noticeable rise in political awareness among young Nigerians, evident in increased voter registration, especially among first-time voters. Data published by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) reveals that youths aged 18 to 34 accounted for about 68% of newly registered voters.

Ahead of upcoming electoral cycles, millions of new voters have been added to the register, with a significant percentage falling within the 18–34 age bracket, projecting a rising interest and willingness among Nigerian youths to participate in electoral duties.

However, Nigeria has continued to witness a low voter turnout. Many young people who register to vote do not show up on election day for several reasons, including long queues at polling centers, fear of violence, delays in the arrival of electoral materials, and the general belief that votes do not count.

Beyond voting in elections, youths are more active in political discussions, especially on social media platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok. These platforms have become spaces for political education, advocacy, and mobilization, with young people leading conversations, challenging those in positions of authority, and shaping public opinion in ways that were not as visible in previous years.

For example, the #EndSARS movement was proof that there is absolute power in youth-led activism in Nigeria, as it marked a turning point, which shows that Nigerian youths are deeply interested in good governance.

Yet, the energy Nigerian youths invest in communicating their concerns on these digital platforms still does not translate to real political power. While youths can influence and stimulate different narratives online, they face critical obstacles when attempting to actively engage in real politics.

One of these barriers is the financial resources that span from purchasing nomination forms to being capable of funding campaigns and even mobilization of support. For many young Nigerians, especially in a country whose employment rate is low, these costs are simply out of reach.

Closely tied to this is the issue of political godfatherism and party structures. Major political parties are often controlled by powerful individuals who determine candidates and move election outcomes either on the scene or behind the scenes.

Efforts have been made to address some of these barriers. The “Not Too Young To Run” Act, signed into law in 2018 under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, reduced the age requirement for contesting political offices. This reform was widely celebrated and led to an increase in the number of young candidates in elections.

However, even after these recent developments, the success rate of these candidates remain low. Citizens now have legal access, but there are structural barriers of financial constraints, party politics, and electoral dynamics, blocking its realization.

Another factor contributing to youth exclusion is the fact that many Nigerians have lost their trust in the political system, political leaders, and the democratic system itself. Several allegations, ranging from vote manipulation to lack of transparency and unfulfilled campaign promises, have worsened the trust over time.

Despite these challenges, with the rise in digital awareness programmes and civic education, political consciousness among youths has started to grow, and more young citizens are starting to see participation as a responsibility.

Nigerian youths are informed, expressive, exposed, and increasingly involved in political conversations. However, their ability to influence governance is still limited by structural barriers that go beyond efforts.