Yiaga Africa, an NGO, reports that the number of people under 35 expected to participate in the upcoming general elections has declined by 20 per cent, despite the Not Too Young to Run law.
Dr Samson Itodo, Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, shared this at the Ready To Run Bootcamp for political party candidates under 35 in Lagos on Friday.
Represented by Programme Coordinator Mr Ibrahim Faruk, Itodo noted that after the law passed in 2019, young people under 35 made up 38 per cent of candidates in that year’s general elections.
He added that this percentage dropped to about 28 per cent in 2023.
Itodo attributed the decline to high costs for nomination forms and campaigning, as well as party structures and control over primaries.
He explained that these factors favour established interests, pushing young people to the margins and making it difficult for them to secure political tickets.
He said: “Today’s event demonstrates the first step Yiaga is taking. There is a narrative that young people are not ready to run.
“Yiaga Africa is working to change that narrative by showing young people are ready to run. We do this through Ready to Run boot camps that prepare young candidates.
“We have also engaged in significant electoral reform advocacy, which has contributed to changes in the Electoral Act.
There have been efforts to reduce nomination costs and make parties more democratic and inclusive to support young people.
“Some advocacy efforts have been successful, while others have provided valuable lessons.
“We will continue to advocate for an electoral process that is more inclusive, affordable, and democratic, and that accommodates more young people,” he said.
Itodo urged INEC and stakeholders to ensure a credible, secure, and logistically sound electoral process that reflects the will of the people.
He also urged young Nigerians to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), participate fully and peacefully as voters, candidates, or agents, and refuse to sit out the democratic process.
Mr Seyi Adisa, Founder of the African Governance Institute for Development, acknowledged that running for office is more challenging for young people, as elections require both financial resources and “social capital.”
He noted that while older individuals often have more experience and social capital, young people can still win elections.
“It is more difficult, but achievable with the right strategies, networks, coalitions, and alliances,” he said.
Adisa said that while some established political parties have strong structures, many are open to young candidates who bring value, capacity, and strong support from their party and peers.
“Age is not the sole criterion; candidates must make substantive contributions, be strong party members, and have community support, rather than relying only on youth or personal funds. Too Young to Run” lowered the age barrier, but progress has not been as fast as hoped. The political environment remains dynamic, and young candidates still face cultural, financial, and systemic barriers.
“The key challenge isn’t just that young people are running, but whether they are prepared to win,” he said. While aspiration was encouraged, candidates must “play by the rules” for democracy to thrive; the rule of law must reign, which means obeying the law rather than violating it.
Oguche said Candidates must know the terrain of elections is regulated by law, governed by instruments such as the Constitution, the Electoral Act, INEC regulations, guidelines, and the internal rules of political parties and judicial authorities.
Oguche, a Senior Executive Fellow at the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, said compliance is required from the pre-election stage through the election and post-election stages. The ADC candidate for the House of Representatives, Mushin II, in Lagos State, said youth participation faced significant barriers to entry.
Ogunseye, who said he startOgunseye, who began his political career at 18, stated that contesting for office requires substantial financial, mental, and emotional resources, as well as experience and relationship-building. of these demands, many y
Young people do not actively contest for office, though many are involved in political party membership and youth group activities.
He said he does not brand himself solely as a “young person running,” as this can sometimes be a disadvantage with the electorate. He acknowledged the gap between perception and reality, and he noted that the entry barrier must be lowered so more young people could participate as candidates and aspirants.
He said: “Increased participation will prove that young people can succeed in office, establishing a positive sample size to encourage further youth representation.”
The programme brought together young aspiring candidates for an engaging learning experience designed to strengthen their capacity, build their confidence, and prepare them for effective political participation ahead of the 2027 elections.
Through the Ready To Run initiative, Yiaga Africa is equipping young aspiring political candidates aged 35 and below with the knowledge, skills, and tools to navigate the journey towards elective office.
The boot camp featured practical sessions on campaign strategy, political participation, and the dynamics of the electoral environment.
