Nigerian Youth Demand Greater Role in Governance, Setting Ambitious Targets for Next Election Cycle
LAFIA, Nigeria – A growing movement in Nigeria is demanding a significant shift in the country’s political landscape, calling for young people to occupy at least 70% of key elective offices in the next election cycle. The push, spearheaded by the Future Is Now (FiN) Initiative, reflects a rising frustration among Nigeria’s youth with limited representation and a desire to shape the future of Africa’s most populous nation.
Rep. Abdussamad Dasuki, Interim Chairman of FiN, articulated the call during an address to students at Federal University of Lafia in Nasarawa State, drawing over 300 attendees to what organizers are framing as the launch of a structured youth mobilization campaign. The initiative comes as Nigeria, with a median age of 18.9 years according to UN data, grapples with high unemployment and a perceived disconnect between its leadership and the concerns of its burgeoning youth population.
“The future we have been waiting for is not ahead of us. It is here. And it is ours to shape,” Dasuki said, as relayed by Apochi Nelson-Owoicho, who represented him at the university. The message resonated with students eager to move beyond being labeled “leaders of tomorrow.”
The FiN initiative isn’t simply a call for increased representation, but a detailed plan for achieving it. The group is targeting 70% youth representation – defined as individuals under 40 – at the local government level, in state houses of assembly, and in the House of Representatives. They are also advocating for 50% of federal and state executive appointments to be filled by young Nigerians.
While acknowledging the ambitious nature of these targets, Dasuki insists they are necessary to reflect Nigeria’s demographic reality. “Governance must start from the grassroots,” he argued, emphasizing that young leaders are best positioned to understand and address the challenges facing their communities, including issues related to education, healthcare, digital access, and job creation.
The movement distinguishes itself from previous youth-focused efforts by presenting a phased implementation roadmap built around five pillars: preparation and content development, campus activation, digital engagement, leadership pipeline development, and ongoing monitoring and evaluation. This structured approach aims to move beyond mere declarations and translate aspirations into concrete political gains.
FiN emphasizes its non-partisan nature, positioning itself as a “generational movement” focused on transforming governance culture rather than simply replacing one set of elites with another. The initiative is actively mobilizing and mentoring potential candidates across all political parties, prioritizing integrity, competence, and national unity.
Dasuki clarified that the call for greater youth inclusion isn’t intended as a criticism of older generations, but rather a request for a “gracious yielding of space.” He likened nation-building to a relay race, urging experienced leaders to serve as mentors while empowering younger generations to take on greater responsibility.
The push for youth participation comes at a critical juncture for Nigeria. The country faces significant economic and security challenges, and a growing chorus of voices argues that a more inclusive and representative government is essential to addressing these issues effectively. The FiN initiative, with its ambitious targets and structured approach, represents a significant attempt to translate that argument into political action.
“The question is not whether Nigeria will change. The question is who will drive that change,” Dasuki stated, echoing the sentiment of a generation determined to claim its seat at the decision-making table. He concluded his address with a call for collective action and national renewal, urging young Nigerians not to “postpone destiny” but to actively shape the country’s future.
