The inauguration of 44-year-old Bassirou Diomaye Faye as Senegal’s president has sparked reflections on youth involvement in politics across Africa, particularly in Nigeria.
Omoyele Sowore, the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in the 2023 election, criticized the prevalent attitude among young Nigerians towards politics.
He emphasized that while Faye’s ascension offers hope for youthful leadership, Nigerian youths often aspire to subordinate roles such as Special Assistants or Personal Assistants, rather than aspiring for top leadership positions.
Speaking from New Jersey, USA, Sowore urged Nigerian youth to adopt a more audacious approach to politics, akin to the Senegalese example.
He highlighted the necessity for young leaders who are not only ambitious but also technologically savvy and physically fit, contrasting them with older leaders who might struggle with modern communication tools and health issues.
While acknowledging the significance of the Not Too Young to Run Bill signed by former President Muhammadu Buhari, which facilitates youth participation in politics, Sowore stressed the imperative for youths to proactively seize power rather than passively waiting for legislative reforms.
He emphasized the importance of grassroots mobilization and assertiveness in driving political change, declaring that power should be taken rather than given through legal amendments.
