By Michael Tidi
The conventional belief that engaging in Nigerian politics through social media and non-elective means is insignificant has been prevalent for a long time. However, the profound impact of the 2020 #EndSARS protests and the crucial role of social media in rallying youth involvement have illuminated the need to reassess the role of young people in politics. This piece stands as an appeal to Nigerian youths to actively participate in political affairs; the ongoing membership registration campaign in the PDP offers an opportunity for youths to become vital contributors to the political landscape.
In 2010, at the age of 30, I made a deliberate choice to enter the political realm by contesting for the Warri South 1 State Constituency Seat in the Delta State House of Assembly. This decision was daunting for many young Nigerians who were hesitant to take the plunge. Despite not winning the election due to various factors, including the complexities of Nigerian politics, I have no regrets about my journey. The experience enriched me, leading to subsequent successful terms as chairman of my council area. People often ask me what motivated me to step into politics, and one of the driving forces was the realization that I couldn’t stand idly by while decisions affecting my present and future were being made without my input.
Instead of allowing ourselves to be used as pawns or mere spectators, young people are urged to actively engage in shaping the political landscape. I remain steadfast in this belief today, that silence in the face of injustice and inequality is not an option. Therefore, I chose to immerse myself in Nigerian politics, stepping out of my comfort zone to make a difference. This decision, despite its challenges, is one I stand by wholeheartedly.
Having navigated the highs and lows of political participation, my resolute advice to fellow Nigerians is simple – you can do it too. You can run for office and potentially emerge victorious. It is imperative that we break the cycle of complacency and empower ourselves by aligning with a credible and principled political party like the Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP.
To my fellow youths, power is not handed to us on a silver platter; we must seize it. Our nation practices democracy, yet the staggering number of approximately 100 million idle youths failing to contribute to governance is disheartening. We must draw inspiration from our forefathers who led movements at young ages, shaping the course of history. It is time for our generation to step up and take charge rather than being content with social media activism or serving as tools for the establishment. We have a responsibility to shape the future of our nation, and this requires active participation in politics.
As I celebrated my 40th birthday in 2020, I reaffirmed my commitment to joining forces with my peers and seasoned leaders to drive positive change in Nigeria. The failures of the older generation should serve as a cautionary tale for us to avoid repeating the same mistakes. We must take a stand now to secure a better future for generations to come.
It is crucial for young Nigerians to actively engage in governance and not shy away from the responsibilities that come with it. We can not afford to sit back and watch our nation deteriorate further. By learning from success stories like Singapore, we can see the transformative power of visionary leadership and strategic planning. We must redirect the course of Nigeria towards progress and prosperity, and this starts with active participation in political processes.
I urge my fellow youths to realign their focus and register with the Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP, to challenge the status quo and bring about meaningful change. Let us not succumb to the allure of quick gains or short-term gratification, but rather work towards a sustainable and prosperous future for Nigeria. The time for action is now!
… Tidi, immediate past Chairman of Warri South Local Government Area.
