Shehu Sani urges Nigerian Youths to join active politics

By Shamsudeen Abubakar

Former senator and human rights activist, Shehu Sani, has challenged Nigerian Youths in their 30s, 40s and 50s to move beyond online political commentary and actively participate in the country’s democratic process by contesting for elective offices.

In a post shared on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account, Sani argued that it is counterproductive for youths to dominate the comment sections of Facebook, X and Instagram while political leadership at the grassroots and legislative levels is increasingly occupied by much younger individuals.

According to him, “You are in your 30s, 40s or 50s, your Rep member is in his 30s and your House of Assembly member and Local Government Chairman are in their 20s. Excuse yourself from their comment section on Facebook, X and Instagram; register as a member of a political party and aspire to contest and give your people the kind of leadership you think they deserve.”

Sani emphasized that constant criticism without participation does little to strengthen democracy, urging Nigerians who believe they can offer better leadership to step forward and test their ideas at the polls.

The former lawmaker further expressed concern over findings from recent surveys suggesting that Nigerian youths are more active on social media than in practical politics. He described this trend unhelpful to the nation’s democratic growth.

He also dismissed the notion that financial limitations should deter aspiring politicians, noting that many of those currently in power did not begin their political journeys with wealth or privilege.

“Don’t be discouraged or scared because you don’t have money to join politics. You need to hear the story of most of those you see in power today; it wasn’t an easy ride from the beginning. If they can be, you can,” he stated.