NOT TOO YOUNG TO RUN POLICY AND YOUTH PARTICIPATION IN 2023 GENERAL ELECTION IN NIGERIA

ABSTRACT

This study is an assessment of not too young to run policy and youth participation in 2023 General Election in Nigeria. The adopted the survey designs using purposive and simple random sampling technique were used to source to from the three senatorial district in Edo State. The data was analysed using percentage and chi-square statistical analysis. The result revealed that there is significant relationship between the activity of the “Not too Young to Run” policy and the level of youths participation in the 2023 General electoral process. The result demonstrated that that there is significant difference between the “Not too Young to Run” policy and when the policy was not in place with respect to the growing demand for youth inclusion in politics. Similarly, the result indicated that there is significant difference between the “Not too Young to Run” policy and participation of youth in political and decision making processes. The study recommended that “Not too Young to Run” policy is a step towards youth inclusion in politics, the government should remove excess monetary politics in Nigeria as to put young people at the very heart of politics, governance and decision-making process in Nigeria. Young people in Nigeria should begin to get involved in politics as their increase will bring about greater youth inclusion in governance which is perceived as a catalyst for change. The two major political parties would not open up the space for younger politicians to contest through their platform,” says Justice. “Unless the government should introduce independent candidacy allowing candidates to run without a party platform, the youths would not find a way around this. There should be young individuals appointed into elective and decision governing positions despite the “Not too Young to Run” policy in Nigeria paving the way for more young people to be inducted into the leadership framework of the country.

Keywords:

Not Too Young To Run Policy, Youth Participation, 2023 General Election, General Electoral Process, and Youth Inclusion in Politics.