Youth inclusion key to peacebuilding, good governance

By Ayomide Akinyemi

Nigeria’s young population represents one of the country’s greatest assets, yet young Nigerians remain significantly underrepresented in political decision-making and governance.

With the country facing insecurity, communal conflicts, political tensions and violent extremism, meaningful youth participation in peace-building and governance has become increasingly important. Young people are not only beneficiaries of government policies, they are also important actors in shaping the country’s future.

Their energy, creativity, digital influence and understanding of contemporary social issues make them valuable contributors to peace and national development. As Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections, the question is no longer whether young people should participate, but how their participation can be transformed into a positive force for democracy, peace and good governance.

Peacebuilding involves a range of approaches and processes aimed at preventing violence, addressing the causes of conflict and creating sustainable and peaceful relationships within society. Politics provides young people with an important avenue to influence public policy and represent the interests of their generation.

As one of the most socially active groups in society, young Nigerians often have firsthand experience of challenges such as unemployment, insecurity, poor infrastructure, limited educational opportunities and economic hardship.

Their participation in politics can therefore provide decision-makers with perspectives that might otherwise be overlooked. The 2027 elections provide an important opportunity for young people to demonstrate that political participation can contribute not only to democratic governance but also to peace and national security.

However, the history of Nigerian elections shows that youths have not always been allowed to participate in politics in positive or meaningful ways. In previous elections, young people have often been mobilised by political actors as campaign supporters, political foot soldiers and, in some cases, instruments of intimidation and electoral violence.

Poverty, unemployment and political frustration have sometimes made vulnerable youths easy targets for political manipulation. Some have been recruited to disrupt political rallies, intimidate opponents, engage in thuggery or interfere with the electoral process.

This has created a dangerous situation in which young people can become both perpetrators and victims of political violence. The problem is therefore not youth participation itself, but the manner in which their energy and frustrations are exploited. The 2027 elections should provide an opportunity to change this pattern by encouraging young Nigerians to become active citizens and peace-builders rather than tools of political violence.

The 2023 general elections demonstrated the significant electoral strength of young Nigerians. According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), approximately 37 million registered voters were between the ages of 18 and 34, representing about 39.5 per cent of registered voters. This figure highlights the enormous potential influence young people possess within Nigeria’s democratic system. Beyond voting, young Nigerians also played an important role in political discussions through social media, youth-led campaigns, advocacy and civic engagement. Their increased political consciousness demonstrated that Nigerian youths are capable of shaping national political conversations when they are given the opportunity and motivation to participate.

However, numerical strength does not automatically translate into political influence. According to the Centre for Democracy and Development, national voter turnout declined from 57.5 per cent in 2007 to 28.63 per cent in the 2023 general elections. This presents an important paradox: young people possess considerable numerical strength, but their potential influence can be weakened when they do not participate fully in the electoral process. Registering to vote is only the first step. If Nigerian youths want their concerns about unemployment, insecurity, education, economic opportunities and governance to receive greater political attention, they must translate their demographic strength into meaningful and peaceful electoral participation.

Youth participation in elections and peacebuilding should therefore go hand in hand. The Youth, Peace and Security agenda recognises young people as important actors in preventing conflict and building sustainable peace. In Nigeria, this means that young people can contribute to peaceful elections by rejecting political violence, challenging hate speech, resisting political manipulation and encouraging dialogue between competing groups. Elections are periods when political disagreements can easily become social tensions, particularly in a country as diverse as Nigeria. Young people can help reduce these tensions by promoting tolerance and reminding their peers that political differences should not become reasons for violence.

One of the most important ways young people can contribute to peace is by recognising the ballot as a legitimate means of expressing political grievances. Political disagreements are inevitable in a democracy. The danger arises when citizens begin to believe that political objectives can only be achieved through intimidation, violence or manipulation. Young people can challenge this culture by choosing electoral participation over political violence. Rather than becoming political thugs or allowing themselves to be used by politicians to disrupt elections, youths can organise peaceful campaigns, participate in voter education, monitor elections, report irregularities through legitimate channels and hold elected officials accountable after elections.

Another mistake is to view youth political participation as something that ends after voting. True democratic participation continues after election day. Young Nigerians can monitor government policies, participate in community development, engage their representatives, attend public consultations and demand accountability from elected officials. They can also use peaceful civic action when governments fail to meet their responsibilities. This is important because peacebuilding is not simply the absence of violence. Sustainable peace requires institutions that citizens trust, accountable leadership and opportunities for people to participate in decisions affecting their lives.

Youth inclusion must also extend beyond voting to actual representation in governance. Young Nigerians should have opportunities to contest elections, participate in political parties, contribute to policymaking and occupy leadership positions. Their involvement should not be limited to election periods when politicians need votes, campaign crowds or social media support. Meaningful inclusion requires creating political and institutional spaces where young people can contribute continuously to decisions that affect their future.

Subsequently, Nigeria’s journey toward sustainable peace and democratic development cannot be achieved by government and security institutions alone. It requires responsible citizens, particularly young Nigerians, to actively participate in shaping the society they will inherit. The choices young people make in 2027 will determine whether their numerical strength becomes a source of political violence or a powerful force for peace, accountability and democratic progress.

Ayomide Akinyemi can be reached at ayoakinyemi10@gmail.com