UK Government happy with increase in young Nigerians vying for political offices

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

Delighted by the increase in the number of young Nigerians vying for political offices from 5.1 percent in 2015 to 6.6 per cent in 2019, the UK Government on Tuesday reiterated its commitment to support young Nigerians to ensure a peaceful, free, fair and credible election in the country in 2023.

The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing stated this during a mentorship program for young politicians vying for elective offices organized by Yiaga Africa and the Not Too Young To Run movement tagged “Convergence 4.0.”

Laing, represented by the Development Director, Christopher Pycroft said the UK government believed peaceful, transparent and credible elections are fundamental to the consolidation of the country’s democratic gains.

According to her: “The UK has been a long-term strategic supporter of Nigeria’s democratic journey. We are proud of our partnership and support to the government of Nigeria and its people in strengthening democracy through more transparent and inclusive institutions and processes. This includes our support to INEC to deliver credible elections in 2023, and to civil society to increase the quality of citizen participation in the electoral process.

“We believe that peaceful, transparent and credible polls in 2023 are fundamental to consolidating the gains of Nigeria’s democratic journey,” she said.

Laing, who stressed the need for the inclusion of the young in the country’s democratic process, also expressed happiness with the increase in the number of young candidates and elected officials from 5.1 percent in 2015 to 6.6 percent in 2019 maintaining that there is room for improvement.

Laing further stated: “Today’s event is an exciting progression of the excellent work that YIAGA Africa has been undertaking in supporting the inclusion of young people in the democratic process in Nigeria.

“I commend YIAGA Africa and its partners for your efforts in bringing together an enthusiastic cohort of young people, experts and stakeholders for this programme. The UK is proud of our long-term support for the Not Too Young To Run movement through its various phases to date.

“The role of young people in political leadership and governance generally is hugely important for Nigeria’s development and democracy.

Earlier, the Executive Director, Yiaga Africa, Samson Itodo vowed to mobilize support for young politicians vying for elective offices especially those who have competency, character and capacity to address the underdevelopment challenge facing the nation.

Itodo, however, said the participants were drawn from the northern parts of the country and were mentored and exposed to understanding the electoral law, INEC guidelines, technical resources, leadership skills, and political communication among others to prepare them and help them win their elections.