Youth engagement in political processes is a critical indicator of the health and sustainability of democratic governance. In Nigeria, the world’s most populous Black nation, young people constitute a significant portion of the electorate. Yet, their political participation is increasingly characterized by apathy and polarization, presenting serious challenges to the functioning of democracy. The recent Panel Discussion on Youth Political Polarization and Apathy, organized by Ojooluwa Ibiloye, a Doctoral Student at the Biden School of Public Policy and Administration and a member of Generation Democracy (GenDem) from Nigeria, provided a platform to explore solutions to some of the political challenges facing youth in Nigeria and globally.

This discussion brought together a diverse group of voices, including Nikola Zirojević, a GenDem Member and Member of Montenegro’s Parliament; Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala, a Nigerian Member of the House of Representatives and Chair of the Committee on Youth in Parliament; and Benjamin Feyijimi, the youngest candidate in Nigeria’s 2023 elections. The discussion sheds light on youth political participation, the challenges they face, and the steps needed to empower the next generation of leaders. 

Current State of Youth Political Participation 

The panel discussion examined the current state of youth political participation, highlighting stark contrasts between Montenegro and Nigeria. In Montenegro, a growing sense of political polarization and the hostile nature of social media have significantly dampened young people’s interest in politics. The younger generation increasingly perceives politics as a divisive arena rather than a platform for respectful debate. This challenge is further exacerbated by the relentless attacks and negativity permeating online political discussions, creating an environment many young people find uninviting. 

Youth political participation is often seen as the lifeblood of any democracy. When young people actively participate in political processes, they contribute instrumental values, expertise, energy, and technological innovation to democratic processes. However, numerous studies have documented declining levels of youth engagement in politics, driven by economic instability, political corruption, and systemic exclusion (Willeck and Mendelberg, 2022; Bessant, Farthing, & Watts, 2017). In Nigeria, these issues are fuelled by deep-seated ethnic and religious divisions, which further alienate young people from the political process. However, Nigeria has witnessed a surge in youth activism, particularly following the EndSARS youth protests of 2020. This movement, which protested police brutality, catalyzed increased youth involvement in politics, reigniting a sense of agency among Nigeria’s younger population. Despite this growing interest, Nigerian youth continue to face significant challenges, including political violence, vote manipulation, and systemic barriers that hinder their full participation. These challenges are indicators of democratic decline, as the exclusion of young voices weakens the representativeness and legitimacy of the political system. 

A candid reflection on the political landscape in Nigeria shows that while the country has enjoyed stable democracy since 1999, it lacks a functional system that genuinely supports and facilitates youth participation in decision-making spaces. There is a critical need for youth involvement in democratic spaces, not just as voters but as leaders and decision-makers. Young people must be adequately prepared to navigate the political landscape, which often requires a deep understanding of local political dynamics and the ability to remain resilient in the face of challenges. One of the panellists, Benjamin Feyijimi, the youngest candidate in Nigeria’s last election, recounted facing arrest by the state agents on election day. His experience illustrates the harsh realities that young political leaders often encounter, particularly in environments where the democratic process is diluted with authoritarian influence. 

Political Polarization and Youth Engagement 

Political polarization, characterized by increasing ideological distance and hostility between opposing groups, has serious implications for democratic governance. Among youth, polarization can lead to disengagement, as they perceive the democratic arena as a battleground of irreconcilable differences rather than a space for respectful debates. In Nigeria, where political identity is often intertwined with ethnic and religious affiliations, polarization can reinforce divisions and hinder efforts to build a cohesive national identity among the youth. This division, coupled with the pervasive effects of bad governance, has led to a widespread loss of faith in the political system among Nigerian youth. 

Polarization is detrimental to youth engagement because it fosters an environment where political participation is more about defending one’s group against perceived enemies than contributing to the common good. This dynamic is evident in the rise of identity politics in Nigeria, where political allegiance is often based on ethnic or religious identity rather than policy preferences or ideological convictions. As a result, young people may become more interested in asserting their group’s dominance than engaging across differences. 

The panel discussion reveals a multifaceted set of factors contributing to Nigeria’s youth political apathy and polarization. These factors can be broadly categorized into economic, cultural, and social media dimensions. 

Economic Factors 

Limited economic opportunities are a pervasive issue among Nigerian youth, with high levels of unemployment and poverty severely limiting their ability to engage in the political process. As highlighted by several participants in the discussion, the daily struggle for survival leaves little room for political activism. The cost of political participation, both in terms of time and resources, often sets barriers for young people who are preoccupied with meeting their basic needs. This economic hardship contributes to a sense of hopelessness and apathy, as many youths feel that their efforts to effect change are futile in the face of systemic economic challenges. 

The high cost of running for political office in Nigeria compounds the economic barriers to political participation. The financial demands of campaigning and the expectation of providing material incentives to voters create significant obstacles for young candidates who lack access to substantial financial resources. This economic exclusion not only limits the number of young people who can participate in the political process but also reinforces the perception that politics is reserved for the wealthy and the children of old politicians. 

Cultural Factors 

Ethnic and religious divisions are deeply entrenched in Nigerian society and play a significant role in youth political polarization. During the discussion, participants frequently cited these identities as sources of division, with political allegiances often aligning with ethnic and religious lines. This broken cord undermines the potential for a unified youth movement that could advocate for broader youth interests. Instead, political discourse among youth is often fragmented, with different groups pursuing narrow, identity-based agendas rather than engaging in inclusive, deliberative dialogue. The persistence of identity politics in Nigeria poses significant challenges to the development of deliberative democracy, as it undermines the possibility of finding common ground across different groups. The potential for reasoned and respectful debates is diminished when political allegiance is based on identity rather than ideology or policy.  

Social Media 

Social media plays a dual role in shaping youth political engagement in Nigeria. On one hand, it provides a platform for youth to express their political views, mobilize for causes, and connect with like-minded individuals. On the other hand, social media amplifies divisive rhetoric and misinformation, contributing to a toxic political environment. During the discussion, participants noted that social media often fosters echo chambers where opposing views are rejected and silenced. The ease with which misinformation spreads on these platforms adds to the distrust in the political system and among political actors. 

The role of social media in political polarization is closely linked to the algorithms that govern content distribution. These algorithms are designed to maximize user engagement by prioritizing content likely to elicit strong emotional responses. As a result, users are more likely to be exposed to extreme or sensationalist content that reinforces their pre-existing beliefs while opposing views are filtered out. This dynamic contributes to the formation of hateful comments. The lack of accountability on social media platforms can worsen the negative effects of polarization, as users can express extreme views without fear of repercussions. 

Impact on Deliberative Democracy 

The combination of economic hardship, social media dynamics, and cultural divisions has significant implications for deliberative democracy in Nigeria. These factors often compromise the quality of political discourse among youth, leading to more aggressive debates than deliberative ones. The quality of political discourse among Nigerian youth is frequently characterized by hostility, mistrust, and a lack of engagement with opposing viewpoints. The degradation of discourse quality has significant implications for the legitimacy of the democratic participation of the youth. This lack of legitimacy can, in turn, contribute to further disengagement and polarization, creating a vicious cycle that undermines the foundations of deliberative democracy. 

Strategies for Enhancing Civil Discourse and Participation 

The following strategies are proposed to foster civil discourse and enhance youth engagement in the democratic process: 

Education and Mentorship 

Promoting political education and critical thinking among Nigerian youth is essential for developing a more informed and engaged electorate. Educational initiatives should teach young people about the principles of deliberative democracy, the importance of civil discourse, and the skills needed to engage in respectful political debate. This education should also include digital literacy, equipping youth with the tools to critically assess information encountered on social media and avoid falling prey to misinformation. 

One potential approach to promoting political education is integrating civic education into the national curriculum at all levels of education. This curriculum should emphasize the importance of participation in democratic processes, the value of diverse perspectives, and the skills needed to engage in reasoned debate. The panellists called for targeted efforts to empower young people, particularly through programs that equip them with the skills and knowledge required to succeed in politics. These efforts should be accessible to all, regardless of socio-economic background, to ensure that the next generation of leaders is diverse and representative of the population they serve. 

Building Trust and Getting Involved at the Local Level 

A key theme that emerged during the discussion was the importance of building trust within communities before running for office. The panelists emphasized that young people need to be actively involved in community forums and activities to establish themselves as credible and trustworthy leaders. Starting at the local government level was suggested as an effective way for young leaders to gain experience, build trust, and make a tangible impact in their communities. 

With Nigeria’s Supreme Court recently granting full financial and political autonomy to local governments, the importance of involving young people in local governance has become more pronounced than ever.  Involving young people in local governance provides them with the necessary experience and helps build a strong foundation of support that can propel them to higher office. The discussion highlighted that trust is a critical component of successful political engagement, and young leaders must prioritize building and maintaining this trust throughout their political careers. The youth should also become more involved in political parties before elections to build networks and gain the experience needed to succeed. 

Resource Mobilization and Youth Identification 

The conversation also touched on resource mobilisation challenges for young people aspiring to public office. The high cost of running for office often necessitates reliance on political godfathers, which can compromise young politicians’ independence. The panelists suggested alternative funding methods to reduce this dependence and ensure young leaders can campaign on their own terms. 

Identifying and supporting qualified young people with character, competence, and charisma is essential to ensuring that the next generation of leaders is capable and ethical. The discussion highlighted the need for youth networks like Generation Democracy to intensify efforts in identifying and nurturing young leaders and providing them with the resources and support needed to succeed. 

Conclusion 

Youth political polarization and apathy present significant challenges to democratic advancement in Nigeria and globally. The economic, social, and cultural factors driving these trends undermine civil discourse and reduce the inclusiveness of the democratic process. Addressing these challenges requires a national and global strategy that includes education, policy reform, and the ethical use of technology. By empowering youth to engage in respectful political debates and providing them with the tools and opportunities to participate meaningfully in the political process, Nigeria can harness the potential of its young population to preserve its democratic system. As Generation Democracy members and other youth networks across the world continue to collaborate and advance youth political participation, the future of global governance looks increasingly promising, with young leaders at the forefront of change. 

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