Youths Demand End to Political Exploitation by Leaders

Younger generations in Nigeria have expressed their discontent regarding the ongoing exploitation by politicians during electoral campaigns, followed by neglect once elections are won.

During a recent event in Abuja, Aliyu Bin Abbas, the President of the National Youth Alliance (NYA), highlighted these concerns as he inaugurated new state chairmen from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and launched the alliance’s official website.

Abbas criticized politicians for manipulating and misguiding young people by engaging them during elections but excluding them from governance and eventually abandoning them. He noted that despite their significant numbers and resilience, women also find themselves marginalized from decision-making positions.

He stated, "This is unacceptable, and this is why the National Youth Alliance exists," reaffirming that the NYA should not be perceived as a platform for violence or disruption, but rather as a movement advocating for structure, inclusion, and the development of leadership.

Abbas tasked the new leaders with actively driving change at the grassroots level, emphasizing the importance of educating, organizing, and mobilizing youth and women for positive political involvement and nation-building.

He asserted, "The future of Nigeria cannot be secured by recycled leadership or age alone, but by empowering youths and women as key decision-makers."

Hajiya Ramatu Aliyu, a former Minister of State for the FCT, called on youths to unite and claim their rightful roles in leadership, while cautioning against engaging in political violence.

Additionally, Chief Segun Showunmi, the event's chairman and former spokesperson for the PDP, noted that Nigeria's political landscape seems to have lost its way, urging the NYA to emerge as a transformative entity capable of steering the nation in a positive direction.