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By Lawrence Agbo
The President of Nigeria Youths in Politics, Blessing Oyefeso, has warned that the growing loss of faith in elections among young people is becoming a major threat to democracy.
Speaking during an interview on ARISE News ahead of preparations for the 2027 general elections, Oyefeso said voter apathy has become one of the most significant obstacles to democratic participation, particularly among young people who increasingly doubt that their votes can influence political outcomes.
According to him, many youths have lost confidence in the electoral system and now see little value in participating in elections.
“Voter apathy is one of the biggest challenges that Nigerian democracy is faced with,” he said. “Young people feel their votes do not count and have lost belief in the electoral process.”
Oyefeso stressed that rebuilding trust in democratic institutions is essential if the country hopes to reverse declining youth participation and strengthen its political system.
He noted that many Nigerians, particularly those at the grassroots, have become discouraged by past electoral experiences and no longer believe elections can bring meaningful change.
“We gained democracy in 1999 after military rule, but a large segment of the population has lost hope in the process. We must restore that confidence and encourage young people to see democracy as a tool for shaping their future,” he said.
The youth leader called on young Nigerians to become actively involved in the 2027 elections, not only as voters but also as observers and advocates for peaceful, transparent and credible polls.
He urged them to monitor electoral activities, engage with the process and work collectively to ensure that future elections are conducted without violence or manipulation.
Oyefeso argued that genuine political influence can only be achieved when young people organise themselves into a formidable voting bloc capable of holding leaders accountable.
“The only way we can own the system is by participating in it, protecting it and demanding transparency in how leaders emerge,” he said.
On electoral reforms, Oyefeso acknowledged the contribution of the Not Too Young to Run Act in lowering age barriers for political participation but maintained that the legislation has not significantly increased youth representation in decision-making circles.
He instead advocated a Youth Quota in Parliament, describing it as a more effective mechanism for guaranteeing young Nigerians a seat at the table where critical national decisions are made.
According to him, while the Not Too Young to Run initiative focused on eligibility, a parliamentary quota would address representation and ensure that the interests of young people are reflected in legislative processes.
Oyefeso concluded that Nigeria’s democracy can only become stronger when its youthful population is fully engaged in governance and empowered to influence policies that affect their future.
