Youth Leaders Demand Leadership Handover, End To ‘Gerontocracy’ In Nigeria
As Nigeria marks another Democracy Day, a coalition of youth leaders across political parties has intensified calls for a generational shift in leadership, arguing that the country’s future depends on empowering younger Nigerians to take the reins of governance.
The Forum of National Youth Leaders of All Political Parties in Nigeria (FNYLPPN) has called for a deliberate and structured transfer of leadership responsibilities to competent and patriotic young Nigerians, insisting that the era of youth exclusion from key decision-making positions must come to an end.
In a Democracy Day message signed by Chairman Hon. Comrade Eze Onyebuchi Chukwu, the Forum stated that although young people constitute the majority of Nigeria’s population and remain the driving force behind the nation’s development, they continue to be underrepresented in governance.
The group declared that Nigerian youths are no longer merely seeking inclusion but are demanding a transition from what it described as “gerontocracy to youthocracy”, stressing that the country must begin preparing the younger generation for leadership takeover.
While acknowledging the sacrifices and contributions of older leaders in building the nation, the Forum argued that every successful society intentionally prepares its youths to assume leadership roles.
It noted that Nigeria’s independence struggle and nation-building efforts were championed by young nationalists who demonstrated courage, vision and competence.
The Forum urged political parties to create practical pathways for youth leadership and remove barriers limiting young people’s participation in politics.
It also appealed to the National Assembly and policymakers to strengthen legal and institutional frameworks that would support a smooth generational transition.
The youth leaders further encouraged Nigerian youths to remain peaceful, productive and actively engaged in the democratic process through education, entrepreneurship, leadership development and civic participation.
According to the Forum, Nigeria must move beyond discussions about youth inclusion and begin implementing concrete measures that will guarantee leadership opportunities for the younger generation while fostering collaboration between youthful energy and the experience of older leaders.
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