Nigerian youths have been urged to move beyond serving as political foot soldiers and take a more active role in deciding who governs the country ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The call was made by students of Delta State University, Abraka, who expressed concern that young people were often mobilised by politicians for rallies, violence and electoral manipulation instead of being encouraged to seek elective offices and participate meaningfully in governance.
The students blamed the situation partly on economic hardship, which they said made some young people vulnerable to manipulation by politicians seeking to advance their political interests.
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They also faulted the political system for failing to create sufficient opportunities for young people to emerge as leaders, despite the popular assertion that youths are the leaders of tomorrow.
According to them, the growing use of young people as instruments of political violence undermines their potential to influence the country's democratic process.
They called on youths to recognise their political influence and use their votes to shape the country's leadership rather than allow themselves to be recruited for electoral violence.
The students said a significant turnout of young voters would help change the narrative and give them a stronger voice in determining the country's political direction.
With the 2027 general elections approaching, they urged young Nigerians to see themselves as active participants in democracy and not merely supporters or tools for politicians.
They stressed that young people must take responsibility for the future of the country by voting for candidates of their choice and demanding accountable leadership.
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