PROF. ATTAHIRU Jega, former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has advocated for increase involvement of youths in politics to entrench Nigeria’s democracy.
Jega said this on Thursday at a public lecture organised by Federal University of Kashere (FUK), Kashere, in Akko LGA of Gombe State, which held under the theme: “Elections and Good Governance in Nigeria.”
He said meaningful youth involvement was crucial for strengthening and sustaining democracy in Nigeria, stressing that youth inclusion in politics would help tackle some of the challenges in governance and bring in fresh ideas towards solving the problems in governance.
He said since the ballot remained a key route to renewing leadership in any democracy, the youths should not be indifferent about it but embrace the process to effect positive change in leadership.
“The participation amongst youths in politics is declining in spite of the improvement being recorded in the electoral process since 2011.
“Youths must ensure they participate by registering to get their permanent voter card for those who have turned 18, and then get involved going forward to voting and belonging to political parties.
“If you don’t participate, then you will allow the prevailing bad tendency to be more consolidated and deepened,” he said.
Jega said that many youths had lost faith in the electoral system because of the attitude of some politicians who do not deliver on their campaign promises.
He said that some youths had expressed frustration with governance in Nigeria, arguing that, “democracy has failed us but I tell you democracy has not failed us only the operators did.”
He said that the poor performance of some public servants resulting in bad governance and lack of trust in the electoral process amongst others had discouraged youths from participating in politics.
According to Jega, some youths are supporting military coup whenever it happens in any African country because of the failure of politicians in various capacities.
Jega called on the government and stakeholders to work more to improve electoral integrity through good governance, transparency and efficiency of the process to encourage youth involvement in politics.
The vice chancellor, Prof. Umaru Pate, said the lecture was coming at a time when Nigeria continued to search for pathways to democratic renewal, institutional trust and stronger governance.
Pate said the event was part of efforts at deepening civic education, stimulating critical reflection and connecting scholarship with the lived realities of the people.
“Across Nigeria, we face a crisis of public trust, declining civic engagement, rising misinformation, and persistent governance challenges.
“Yet, we also see the resilience of citizens, the commitment of institutions, and the determined push for reforms that can strengthen our democracy.
“To shape a better future, we must continue to draw lessons, expand conversations, and inspire leaders at all levels,” he said.
Also, Dapo Olorunyomi, publisher, Premium Times, said that a lot of improvement had been made by INEC since the introduction of technology in the conduct of election.
Olorunyomi urged the government and relevant agencies to continue to leverage technology to improve the system and add value to electoral process. (NAN)
