As activities heighten for Nigeria's next general elections, the debate on the place of the Nigerian youth has gained traction.
With the "Not Too Young To Run" in the bag, many young people are worried that the leadership space is too choked by very old people, many of whom are money bags and who will not give the youth a chance to manifest.
Recall that the "Not Too Young to Run" Act was signed into law in Nigeria on May 31, 2018, by President Muhammadu Buhari, reducing the age qualification for elective offices.
This action followed a clamour to promote youth inclusion, diversity, and political participation in the Nigerian electoral process.
The Act lowered the minimum age for President from 40 to 35, and for the House of Representatives/State Houses of Assembly from 30 to 25, while age requirements for Senators and Governors remain 35.
Explaining why the youth have very little space in the governance equation, a public affairs commentator, Dr Gbenga Abimbola, pointed to the over-monetisation of the political space among other issues.
Can the dream of the Nigerian youth to lead ever come to pass?
If it must happen, what must they do?
Are the young people really ready for leadership?
On the benefits of having young Nigerians in the nation's driver's seat, a youth development activist, Henry Olonimoyo stressed that if Nigeria is intentional about future national advancement the time for the nation to give the youth a chance is now
A young Nigerian interested in good governance, Rahman Yusuf however, urged youths to grow through the ranks and cultivate leadership qualities.
Meanwhile, as of late 2025, there was a clamour to further reduce the age limit for Senators and Governors to 30.
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