By Abubakar Yunusa
The Unified Nigeria Youth Forum has condemned the rising cost of nomination and expression-of-interest forms by political parties, describing it as a major barrier to youth participation in governance.
In a communiqué issued after its Patriotic Awakening Event and National Youth Convention held at the historic Arewa House, Kaduna, the Forum said the trend was discouraging capable young Nigerians from contesting elective offices.
The event, themed “Nigeria the Way Forward: UNYF Setting the Pace in Nigerian Politics – The Emergence of a New Nigeria,” drew over 500 delegates from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, alongside policymakers, civil society groups, and student leaders.
UNYF National President, Comrade Olajide Toriah Filani, who signed the communiqué, said the exorbitant fees had turned politics into “a business venture reserved for the wealthy elite rather than a platform for service.”
“Our democracy cannot grow when capable young Nigerians are financially excluded from contesting elective positions. Political participation should be driven by competence and ideas, not by the depth of one’s pocket,” Filani stated.
The Forum accused political parties of erecting structural and financial barriers that discourage youth involvement and called for reforms to institutionalise inclusiveness, internal democracy, and leadership renewal.
Despite making up over 60 per cent of Nigeria’s population, delegates lamented that youths remain underrepresented in decision-making due to economic hardship, political marginalisation, and lack of mentorship.
They also identified corruption, poor leadership, and absence of a national vision as root causes of underdevelopment, urging leaders to prioritise merit, competence, and character over patronage.
The communiqué further expressed worry over frequent industrial strikes in tertiary institutions, urging the Federal Government and unions to embrace dialogue and invest in research and digital education.
UNYF also faulted the nation’s rising debt profile and dependence on borrowing, calling for fiscal discipline and productivity in agriculture, manufacturing, and technology.
The Forum maintained that protests often become counterproductive, noting that the most effective form of democratic protest is through active political participation and voting.
“The New Nigeria we desire will not emerge by chance but through visionary leadership, unity, and responsible youth engagement,” the communiqué added.
The Forum reaffirmed its commitment to national unity, peace, and progress, pledging continued partnership with government and development partners to promote youth empowerment and innovation-driven governance.
