In the months that have elapsed and the one coming to a
gradual close, there have been instances of political clamour and rancour among
several partisans. Some of these differences were eventually resolved while others
were simply calmed by deeply-rooted stakeholders and kingmakers within the
political arena. Conclusively, the foremost political parties in Nigeria have
selected their choice aspirants and the time when Nigerians will decide or
anoint those who would lead us by mid-2015 is at hand.
The preliminary electoral process
which mainly involved the selection of political aspirants in diverse parties
were closely observed by young persons around our beloved country. In previous
times, young persons were predominantly known to participate in electioneering
processes as useable political vices such as violent thugs and aggressive
vagabonds. But that story is experiencing a gradual change. It is interesting
to note that many youth, particularly from the entertainment industry, made
efforts to vie for government positions on the platform of various parties.
This action shows that the youth in Nigeria have increased their awareness of
civic responsibilities and are ready to gradually receive the baton of
leadership. Asides the fact that the youth now constitute the vast majority of
the working class or workforce in Nigeria, they are the most unemployed and
underemployed Nigerians. Yet, they stand out as a key portion of the
electorates. Therefore, any strategic
aspirant who truly desires election or re-election in 2015 must have youth
issues both in agenda and at heart.
It is a joyous thing to know that
Nigerians are eager to get to the polling booths and vote during the 2015
elections. However, the responsibility of government through its agencies and
regulators must help them fulfil that desire. Elections should be free, fair
and safe. Citizens should be able to arrive at voting centres and fully enjoy
the right to vote and be voted for. Observers must be available at polling
booths to assess the standard of actual electoral activities and accompanying
events. Already, it is being said that young Nigerians are biased about the
outcome of the primaries conducted at various parties. This is because many
young aspirants were unable to get the party ticket that should grant them the
opportunity to be elected into their desired offices. For instance, the two
biggest parties in Nigeria have more politically renowned aspirants
representing them at the legislative and executive arms. Even at the
gubernatorial level, only a few young aspirants or candidates preferred by the
youth have been able to receive nomination tickets.
While
it is our ultimate desire to see our nation prosper with visible evidences at
the grassroots, the youth want younger persons to take up responsibility at the
gubernatorial and legislative arms of government. In fact, they would really like
to see a situation where a female vice president would emerge and definitely
long to see a time when a president that is aged 45 years or less would lead
Nigeria. It has happened in other countries and continents, and Nigeria being
the big brother in Africa can create this paradigm shift. The essence here is
not to imply that the quality of leadership is proportional to the actual age
of leaders. Rather, it is to remind leaders that the children who were informed
that they are the leaders of tomorrow have grown up. The children of yesterday
are seeking for the manifestation of unfulfilled promises. They want to know if
things in the coffers of leadership are actually as they hear or not. They want
to practically understand why things are the way they are. They want to see how
they can help solve some of the existing challenges. They are not in a haste to
lead Nigeria but they are thirsty to start leading. Haste implies overthrowing
leadership but thirst means transfer of baton.
But
leaders must be reminded that lack of voice is not the same as the absence of
potential. It is only because the voice of reason is still calming their hearts
that the voice of courage has not spoken with corresponding action. But when
the youth are pushed beyond their limits, no amount of call for consensus would
be able to restore what it may cost their leaders. So, the ultimate consensus
here is to alert the two biggest political parties that matter that young
people want to matter. They want to see the change that APC is proclaiming and
what to experience the Transformation that the incumbent Mr President is using
as his campaign theme. If you really care, show us that you care.
