There has been so much excitement amongst youths about a bill titled the Not-Too-Young-to-Run sponsored by a Nigerian legislator Honourable Tony Nwuhulu in the Federal House of Representatives to reduce the age of political office aspirants.
The NotTooYoungToRun Campaign was launched globally to expand democracy and youth political participation and is gaining more followership.
The bill which seeks to reduce the ages of political office aspirants in a bid to open up the political space to more youths and have the benefit of their energy and vibrancy in Nigeria’s political space and decision making process. It proposes a reduction of the age for Presidential aspirants from 40 to 30 years; Senatorial and Gubernatorial aspirants from 35 to 30 years and House of Representatives from 30 to 25 years.
Since the ending of first republic, the participation of youths and their inclusion in political space has become so low and a matter of general concern.
No doubt, that Nigerian youths are very much happy with the proposal of the Not-too-young-to-run bill that is even about to pass second reading on the floor of the green chamber. Since the beginning of this struggle, Nigerian youths are over excited as they claimed that they have been over-marginalized.
So far, the only recognized youths holding high political office in the country are the speakers of Houses of Assemby in Akwa Ibom, Hon Effiok, Aliyu Sabiu Muduru of Kaduna State and Hon Aminu Shagali of Katsina States. There is also youngest serving commissioner of budget and planning in Kaduna state.
The governor of Kaduna state has make the inclusion of youth in government a matter of priority. Many of his aides and cabinet members are youths.
The Not-too-young-to-run bill has been welcomed by Nigerians with excitement, with the hope that this is the time they will start enjoying the dividends of democracy since they constitute 65% of the national population.
Despite their contributions in campaigns and electioneering, the youths are marginalized by the old people in governance> The passage of the bill will ensure guarantee to their right to vote and be voted.
It is noteworthy that most countries have laws restricting young people from running for office and denying the young people the right to lead.
In 2007, because of the “How old is old enough?” campaign, the minimum candidacy age in England, Wales, and Scotland was lowered from 21 to 18, in line with the voting age. In Turkey, young people lobbied the Government to reduce the age of candidacy for Parliament from 30 to 25. In Nigeria, the Not-Too-Young-to-Run campaign has embarked on a mission to address age discrimination in candidacy for the legislative and executive branches. That serves as an inspiration for the global campaign.
With campaign gaining momentum in Nigeria, many young people have so far indicated interest to vie for political offices. The campaign has successfully inspired the youths to aspire and take mantle of leadership.
Social Change Campaigner 