THE AGITATION AND CONUNDRUM OF NOT TOO YOUNG TO RUN LAW IN NIGERIA (ISSUES AND CHALLENGES)

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1       Background to the Study  

In Nigeria, like numerous other democratic systems worldwide, political participation holds significant importance, wielding a profound impact on the governance of the society and influencing the allocation of resources among its populace. This trend is mirrored globally, where the youth demographic constitutes over seventy per cent (70%) of the total population. Consequently, participation and representation within the political sphere of a democracy like Nigeria are supposed to be influenced by the dominance of the youth demographic, which forms the majority share of the country's overall population. The youth demographic is an integral and inseparable component of Nigeria, accounting for approximately 70% of the population, with the majority being under the age of 30 (Akinyemi and Mobolaji, 2022). Despite constituting a significant majority of the population, the youth demographic finds itself underrepresented in the political echelons, with older political figures occupying key elective positions, aligning with the primordial prioritization of the public over the civil public as articulated by Peter Ekeh (1975). The sense of marginalization has spurred a call for increased youth representation in the political sphere, leading to the widespread advocacy for the Not Too Young To Run movement across the country. In concordance, some young people in Nigeria launched a campaign in 2016 to agitate for the removal of the age barrier to run for elective political offices which will further give young people the avenue to contest for and wield elective political positions. The Not Too Young To Run campaign was championed by YIAGA Africa; a youth-based civil society organization seeking to promote good governance and youths' substantial participation in politics, the campaign soon boasted of support from more than 100 youth organizations and became popularly known by its hashtag #NotTooYoungToRun#, thereby facilitating legislative actions and was eventually signed into law in 2018 under president Muhammadu Buhari’s administration (Moses 2019). As a result of experienced marginalization of youths from political arrangements and elective positions, the public political offices are dominantly occupied by a minority older generation who keep recycling themselves to remain in power, using the instrument of godfatherism and thriving in corrupt aggrandizements as an element of statecraft thereby relegating the interests of the youths who ordinarily are supposed to be in the positions of authority having wielded majority of the population. This problem became a matter of national attention which resulted in the passage of the “Not Too Young To Run” law in 2018. This work therefore is aimed at assessing the impact of the Not Too Young To Run law on youth’s political participation in Nigeria using the 2023 general elections as a reference.

The "Not Too Young to Run" law in Nigeria, passed in 2018, was a monumental legislative step aimed at reducing the age limit for candidates seeking political office in the country. The law was meant to increase youth participation in political leadership by lowering the age qualification for presidential candidates from 35 to 30 years, gubernatorial candidates from 35 to 30 years, and senatorial candidates from 35 to 30 years. However, despite the legislative success, the law has ignited significant debate regarding its efficacy and the challenges it poses in achieving meaningful youth involvement in politics.

One major issue surrounding the law is the practical implementation of youth empowerment within the political arena. Despite the reduced age qualifications, young people still face formidable barriers in terms of financial resources, political connections, and access to party structures. As noted by Omodia (2020), the political environment in Nigeria remains dominated by older, entrenched political elites, making it difficult for young candidates to break through and gain substantial political support. Additionally, political parties often require substantial financial backing to run effective campaigns, which many young Nigerians lack. The inability of young people to overcome these financial constraints has led some to question the true impact of the "Not Too Young to Run" law in facilitating youth participation (Adetunji & Akinwale, 2021).

Furthermore, the law also raises concerns about the quality of leadership and political experience among young candidates. While youth participation is crucial, there are debates about whether reducing the age limit could lead to underqualified candidates, particularly in a complex political system like Nigeria's (Eze & Okoye, 2021). Critics argue that age alone does not guarantee political competence, and that younger candidates may lack the experience and leadership skills required to effectively govern.

The “Not Too Young to Run” law aims to enhance youth participation in Nigeria’s politics by lowering age limits for elective offices. While it is a significant step, challenges such as financial constraints, elite dominance, and questions about youth readiness persist. This study examines the law’s impact on youth political participation, focusing on the 2023 general elections.

1.2       Statement of the Problem

The agitation for the “Not Too Young to Run” law began as a youth-led movement aimed at removing age barriers that excluded young Nigerians from contesting political offices. Through persistent campaigns and widespread advocacy, the movement culminated in the passage of the law in 2018. This landmark legislation reduced the age eligibility for various political positions, lowering the presidential age limit from 40 to 30, the Senate from 35 to 30, the House of Representatives from 30 to 25, the governorship from 35 to 30, and the state House of Assembly from 30 to 25. The law was designed to address the exclusion of young Nigerians from political leadership and encourage their active participation in governance.

However, despite this legal change, the intended goal of fostering meaningful youth involvement in politics remains largely unmet. Young Nigerians continue to face significant barriers, such as inadequate funding, limited access to political networks, and entrenched party structures that favor the political elite (Adetunji & Akinwale, 2021). These systemic challenges have undermined the spirit of the law, leaving many young aspirants unable to contest elections or participate effectively in governance.

While the law was celebrated as a milestone in advancing youth inclusion, questions remain regarding its implementation and impact. Specifically, has the law significantly increased youth participation in political leadership, or do older politicians continue to dominate and subjugate the youth despite these reforms? This research problem, therefore, seeks to explore the extent to which the “Not Too Young to Run” law has achieved its goals, the barriers hindering its effectiveness, and whether it has led to a meaningful shift in youth participation and representation in Nigeria’s political landscape.

1.3       Research Questions

1.         What financial, social, and institutional barriers that hinder the Nigerian youth from running for political office?

2.         Has the reduction in age limits for political candidates led to the emergence of well-prepared and capable young leaders in Nigeria?

3.         How do the dynamics and structures of political parties in Nigeria influence the emergence of young political leaders?

1.4       Research Objectives

The primary aim of this study is the agitation and conundrum of not too young to run law in Nigeria: issues and challenges. The specifics objectives are:

1.         Investigate the financial, social, and institutional barriers that hinder Nigerian youths from running for office.

2.         To evaluate whether the reduction in age limits for political candidates has resulted in an influx of well-prepared and capable leaders. 

3.         Explore the role of political parties in Nigeria, examining how party dynamics and structures either facilitate or constrain the emergence of young political leaders.

1.5       Research Methodology

The research methodology for studying the “Not Too Young to Run” law in Nigeria will adopt a qualitative approach, utilizing secondary methods of data collection to examine the law’s impact on youth participation in Nigerian politics. This methodology ensures an in-depth exploration of the research objectives while capturing the nuances of the issues under investigation.

The study employs an exploratory and descriptive qualitative research design. This approach is ideal for examining the experiences, perceptions, and barriers faced by young Nigerians in the political arena following the implementation of the “Not Too Young to Run” law. The descriptive component outlines the extent of youth participation and the structural obstacles they encounter, while the exploratory component delves into underlying factors such as party dynamics, institutional frameworks, and the leadership competence of young candidates. Together, these elements provide a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities created by the law.

The research will rely exclusively on secondary data collection methods, focusing on the analysis of existing literature, reports, and case studies related to the “Not Too Young to Run” law. Data sources include academic journals with peer-reviewed articles on youth participation, governance, and electoral reforms in Nigeria. Reports and publications from government sources, civil society organizations such as YIAGA Africa, and international organizations addressing governance and political inclusion will also be utilized. The qualitative data collected will be analyzed using thematic analysis, which is a suitable method for identifying, analyzing, and interpreting patterns or themes within qualitative data. Finally, the identified themes will be analyzed to draw conclusions about the impact of the "Not Too Young to Run" law, with findings compared against existing literature and theories on youth political participation and governance.

1.6       Significance of Research

The significance of this study lies in its potential to enhance understanding of youth political participation in Nigeria, particularly concerning the “Not Too Young to Run” law. Passed in 2018, the law was designed to lower the age limits for running for political office, thereby creating a legal pathway for young Nigerians to engage in leadership. However, despite this progressive reform, significant challenges remain, and the law’s intended goals have not been fully realized. By investigating the law’s impact on political party dynamics, public perceptions, and youth engagement, this research provides valuable insights for policymakers, political parties, and civil society organizations.

This study contributes to the existing knowledge base on youth political participation, electoral reforms, and democratic governance in Nigeria. It refines theories related to youth political engagement and generational change in politics by analyzing how the reduction in age qualifications has influenced political processes and outcomes. For instance, it explores whether reducing age limits has meaningfully increased the number of young political candidates or improved their electoral success, a critical aspect for ensuring a more inclusive and representative government (Omodia, 2020). Additionally, the study evaluates whether these changes have led to the emergence of competent young leaders or whether they have compromised governance through the involvement of underqualified candidates (Eze & Okoye, 2021).

The study also has significant policy implications by identifying structural, economic, and political barriers that continue to hinder youth participation in governance. These include financial constraints, limited access to political networks, and the dominance of entrenched political elites, which undermine the spirit of the law (Adetunji & Akinwale, 2021). By addressing these challenges, the research can provide actionable recommendations for improving the law’s implementation, suggesting strategies to mitigate its unintended consequences and create a more enabling environment for young Nigerians to actively participate in politics.

On a practical level, the research empowers young Nigerians by providing a better understanding of their rights and opportunities under the law. It emphasizes the need for political parties to adapt to the changing political landscape by adopting more inclusive practices that foster youth leadership. Additionally, by promoting civic engagement, the study highlights the importance of youth participation in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy and shaping the nation’s future. The research can also encourage young Nigerians to navigate existing barriers and make meaningful contributions to governance.

Ultimately, this study holds broad significance for fostering a more inclusive and democratic Nigeria. By addressing the challenges and opportunities linked to the “Not Too Young to Run” law, it contributes to the ongoing discourse on electoral reforms and youth empowerment in Africa’s most populous nation. The research underscores the need to create a political system where young people are not only represented but are also empowered to actively shape Nigeria’s governance, ensuring a vibrant and representative democracy.

1.7       Scope of the Study

This study focuses on the “Not Too Young to Run” law in Nigeria, examining its impact on youth participation in the country’s political processes. It aims to assess the challenges and prospects the law presents to young political aspirants, with an emphasis on the political, financial, and institutional barriers they face despite the legal reforms. Specifically, the study analyzes the role of political parties, the dominance of political elites, and public perceptions of young political candidates. The study is confined to the period between the passage of the law in 2018 and the 2023 general elections, allowing for a detailed evaluation of its implementation and impact over this five-year timeframe. Furthermore, it explores the implications of the law on governance quality and Nigeria’s broader political landscape.

1.8       Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations. Firstly, the geographical scope is focused primarily on national-level politics, with limited consideration of regional or local government elections, where the law’s impact may differ. Secondly, accessing candid and reliable data may be challenging, as young aspirants might be reluctant to share their experiences due to political sensitivities. Additionally, time and resource constraints limit the depth of fieldwork and the ability to conduct an exhaustive national survey. Despite these limitations, the study seeks to provide meaningful insights into the effectiveness of the “Not Too Young to Run” law and its influence on youth political participation in Nigeria.

1.9       Organization of the Study

The organization of this research is structured into five chapters, each addressing critical aspects of the "Not Too Young to Run" law and its influence on youth political participation in Nigeria. Chapter One serves as the introduction, laying the groundwork by presenting the research background, the significance of youth engagement in politics, and the objectives of the "Not Too Young to Run" law. It includes a statement of the problem, research questions, the study's objectives, methodology, and highlights the significance of the study while defining key terms and outlining its scope and limitations. Chapter Two is dedicated to a literature review, analyzing existing research related to youth political participation, electoral reforms, and democratic governance in both global and Nigerian contexts, while exploring concepts like political marginalization and barriers to youth inclusion. Chapter Three will provide an overview and background analysis of "The Agitation and Conundrum of Not Too Young to Run Law in Nigeria: Issues and Challenges." It will delve into the complexities surrounding the law and its reception among various stakeholders. Chapter Four focuses on data analysis and findings, presenting thematic patterns derived from secondary data to assess the law's impact on youth political engagement, discussing barriers such as financial limitations and the dynamics of political networks. Finally, Chapter Five concludes the study by summarizing the findings, evaluating the law's overall impact, and offering recommendations for policymakers, political parties, and civil society organizations to enhance youth inclusion in governance, along with suggestions for future research on the law's long-term implications for Nigeria’s democracy.

1.10     Operational Definition of Terms

Youth: For the purpose of this study, “youth” refers to individuals within the age bracket of 18–35 years, as defined by the African Youth Charter and widely adopted in Nigerian socio-political contexts.

Not Too Young to Run Law: A legal reform passed in Nigeria in 2018 that reduced the age eligibility for candidates seeking political office, aimed at promoting youth participation in governance.

Political Participation: The active involvement of individuals in political processes, including voting, running for office, engaging in political campaigns, and influencing public policies.

Youth Representation: The active participation and inclusion of individuals aged 18 to 35 in political decision-making processes, governance, and leadership positions.

Political Leadership: Political leadership refers to the capacity of individuals or groups to guide, influence, and make decisions within a political system or governance structure.

Political Empowerment: The process of increasing the political strength and influence of marginalized groups, in this context, young people, by ensuring that they have the legal rights, resources, and opportunities to engage meaningfully in the political system.

Political Exclusion: The systematic or structural marginalization of certain groups, such as youth, from participating fully in political activities, including running for office, voting, or holding decision-making positions in government.

Barriers to Participation: Structural, financial, social, and institutional obstacles that hinder young Nigerians from fully participating in political leadership and governance.

Political Elite: A group of powerful and influential individuals who dominate the political landscape, often maintaining control over decision-making processes and political offices.

Civic Engagement: Actions undertaken by individuals to address public issues, promote democracy, and influence government policies, including advocacy, voting, and participation in political campaigns.

Party Dynamics: The internal structures, policies, and practices of political parties that influence candidate selection, campaign strategies, and leadership emergence.

Leadership Competence: The ability of individuals to effectively perform political and governance-related duties, including decision-making, policy formulation, and public administration.

Political Networks: The system of relationships and alliances that individuals build within political parties, government institutions, and the public, which can play a significant role in gaining political support and achieving electoral success.