ngyouthagenda

Vote for theYouthGovernmentPolicy

Table of ContentsAcknowledgements3Background4Objective7Justification8Methodology101

AcknowledgementsWe, the youth representatives of political parties and youth civil society organizations in Nigeria,appreciate the immense contributions of all those who worked tirelessly in the development ofthis youth agenda. Particularly, we acknowledge the inputs and cooperation of all youth leadersof political parties and youth civil society organizations.Specifically, we acknowledge the contributions of the following party youth leaders MerikiEbinikomi, former youth leader of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Prince Duru ofLabour party, Sam George Okpara of Advanced Congress of Democrats, AbdulrahmanMohammed of Accord Party and Shafiu Abubakar of the National Conscience Party (NCP)We thank Dr Bibi Farouk, former youth leader of the People's Democratic Party and Dr OlusegunMayegun, former President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) supportingthis project with their wealth of experience and intellect.Worthy of mention and acknowledgement is the technical team comprising Samson Itodo (YouthInitiative for Advocacy, Growth & Advancement), Abdulrahman Abu Hamisu (Centre forPolitical Research & Education), Bukhari Mohammed Bello Jega (Youth Alliance on Constitution& Electoral Reform), Rotimi Olawale (Youth Hub Africa), Cynthia Mbamalu (Youth Initiative forAdvocacy, Growth & Advancement), Kingsley Bangwell (Youngstars Foundation) and EmekaDiru (International Republican Institute).We appreciate the Democratic Governance for Development Project II of the United NationsDevelopment (UNDP/DGD II) for supporting this project. Your continued support to deepeningdemocracy and youth political participation in Nigeria is highly appreciated.3

BackgroundNigeria has a robust youth environment and increasing youth population. It has one of the mostyouthful populations in the world. The 2008 declaration by the African Union General Assemblyaffirming 2009 to 2019 'African decade for Youth' is in recognition of youth identity and politics asa global driving force for social transformation. The declaration was premised on the need toincrease global interest in youth participation and development. Despite eliciting an encouraginglevel of interest, the policies and programs designed to scale up the level of youth participationhas yielded limited results.According to the Nigerian Youth Manifesto (2011), active and constructive youth participation inthe Nigerian political process has gradually become non-existent over the years. Apparently,most youths in the political space, particularly those in political parties are often times used as1thugs by politicians who seek selfish political gains through the perpetuation of violence. For anall-encompassing and participatory democracy to thrive in Nigeria, young people must playimportant and active roles in determining the political future of their country by engagingpolitical actors with demands for inclusion and equal access to political participation.Emphatically, Nigeria's democratic history cannot be written without the mention of theimmense contributions of young people. The pre-independence struggle was led by youngpeople like Dr. Herbert Macaulay, Ernest Ikoli, Chief H O Davis, J C Vaughan, Oba SamuelAkinsanya, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe 27 years, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Sir Abubakar Tafawa. Thesegreat men were considered to be in their prime during Nigeria's liberation struggle. For example,Abubakar Tafawa Balewa was elected into the Northern House of Assembly at the tender age of1Survey Report on Youth Political Participation, 2014 by Youth Initiative for Advocacy, Growth & Advancement (YIAGA)4

34 and later into the Legislative Assembly at the age of 37. Shehu Shagari's was 21 years old whenbegan his political life. At 23, he merged his political organization, The Youth Social Circle withother political organizations to create the Northern People's Congress (NPC). Maitama Sule on2his part was made a minister in his twenties.The post independence era also witnessed another dominance of young people in public spaces.General Yakubu Gowon was Africa's youngest head of state at 32 when he led the civil war.Despite the immense contributions of young people to democratic development in Nigeria, thecurrent political class has failed to appreciate 'youth-power' and the dynamics they bring to bearin the political terrain. Experts and youth advocates have argued that the Nigerian political andelectoral system is perpetually skewed to exclude young people from qualitative political3participation.The political marginalization of young people rests squarely on centrifugal forces that areartificially created by 'stereotypes' which serve as lubricants for oiling the wheel of politicalexclusion. The present status quo of entrenched youth marginalization is viewed in some4quarters as a factor that fuels insurgency, criminality and violence. The exclusion of youth frompolitical participation and decision making is underscored by trivial responsibilities apportionedto youth such as posting of posters, distribution of campaign materials, singing and dancingduring campaigns and party conventions, mobilization of thugs and crowds. These can neitherbe referred to as inclusion nor qualitative participation since they do not translate into access tothe structures of decision making.It is a widely accepted view that increased youth political participation in governance anddecision making processes is a clear indicator of a country's democratic development. Sincedemocracy thrives on the ability of citizens to enforce their rights by participating in decision2Opara, C. “State of Affairs: The Voice of the Youth in Nigerian Politics” http://idey.me/specials/state-ofaffairs-the-voice-of-the-youth-in-nigerian-politics3Itodo Samson, Constitution and Electoral Reform in Nigeria: A window of opportunity for young people, November 20114The Fire Next Time: Youth, Violence and Democratization in Northern Nigeria. Being a research paper published byFriedrich-Ebert-Stiftung5

making, young people must be given the opportunity to contribute to the development of theircommunities through political participation that grants them access to structures of governancewhere decisions are taken. That access and opportunity to participate must be provided as a5matter of right and not a privilege .The 1999 Constitution as amended, under S14 (2), National Youth Policy (2009), African YouthCharter and the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Good governance, reiterates theneed to open the political space and ensure equal access for citizens even in the face of entrenchedexclusion. Flowing from these, it became apt to develop an agenda that articulates policy andprogrammatic frameworks that safeguards youth participation in electoral politics in the buildup to the 2015 general elections and beyond. The Nigeria Youth Agenda on Political Participationarticulates the views and aspirations of young people irrespective of political, religious, ethnicand sectional interests. The document provides a template for increasing youth participation inpolitics and decision making.5Article 11 (1), African Youth Charter

Objectives:To articulate the political and socio-economic interests of youngpeople in a concise advocacy and monitoring document that setsthe benchmark for youth engagement in politics;To provide easy access for young people to participate in electoralpolitics;To facilitate the creation or strengthening of platforms for youthparticipation in politics and decision-making at local, state, zonaland national level of governance;To promote political party development and deepen electoralprocesses in Nigeria;7

JustificationNigeria burgeoning youth population provide a huge social, economic and political capitalstrequired to drive socio-political and economic development. On the 31 October 2011, the worldpopulation hit 7 billion and Nigeria's population increased to 167 Million (National PopulationCommission). With over 60% of the country voting population dominated by young eligible6voters , it is critical to give them their rightful place in the political space.One of the cardinal significance of democracy is the right of citizens to freely express themselvesand get involved in the democratic process with a view to shaping how their society is governed.It is trite knowledge that civic participation is essential for the survival of democracy in any climeand Nigeria is not an exception. Therefore young people should be given the space andopportunity to participate freely in electoral politics.In an attempt to guarantee proper management of elections in Nigeria, the Electoral Act has beenamended at different times. However, little attention is paid to how the electoral law makesparticipation and inclusivity a priority. Youth participation in democratic processes providesyoung people with a unique opportunity to canvass recommendations that addresses thepolitical and socio-economic concerns of Nigerian youth. There is no better expression ofdemocracy than for all citizens to be able to participate and express themselves on how they wantto be governed. Where legal frameworks and laws inhibit the participation of any group ofpersons, it is pertinent that such laws be amended to safeguard and guarantee citizensparticipation.6Ibid8

Many observers contend that increased youth political participation is a catalyst for positive7change in governance. This is largely attributed to the energy, skills and progressive dynamicsthey bring to bear in the political terrain. The singular fact that political parties providemachinery for actualizing political aspiration, underscores the need for active youth engagementin party politics.The youth agenda identifies (5) broad issues that possesses the potentials toimprove the quality of youth participation in electoral politics. They include;1) Youth Legal Framework2) Youth Affirmative Action in Political Parties and ElectivePositions3) Financing youth participation in politics4) Political Party Structure and Administrative Processes5) Democratic standards for election management7Ibid9

MethodologyThe Youth Agenda on Political Participation was developed using qualitative and quantitativedata collection instruments such as focus group discussions, administration of questionnaires,online and offline consultative dialogues, retreats and strategic collaborations with stakeholders.These instruments were used to collate, test and harmonize the views of young people on youthrelatedissues across the six geopolitical zones of the country. This document is a product ofnumerous youth democracy activities organized by youth organizations in Nigeria. The contentsof this document was augmented by a review of extant legislations, official reports,communiqués and position papers, as well as secondary materials including newspaper articles,blog posts and reports of civil society organizations.Focus Group discussionsThe Stakeholders’ technical Committee met twice in Lagos and Abuja on March 6 2011and August 8 2012 respectively with participation of 24 youth drawn from Civil Societyand political parties. The focus group discussions came up with what they considered tobe major issues that needed to be captured into a concise and elaborate advocacy tool orinstrument. They also suggested strategies for the popularization of such advocacy tool ifpublished.Similarly, in July 2012, a Technical Youth Working Group Meeting was convened in Abujato articulate specific priority youth issues with policy implications. The issues werestreamlined and articulated into a memorandum forwarded to the National AssemblyCommittees on Constitution Review.10

Twenty two youth leaders drawn from diverse groups including the National YouthCouncil and the Nigerian Youth Parliament participated in the meeting. The participantswere selected on the basis of their track record and consistent engagement with youthissues, democracy and development matters.Consultative dialogues & Strategic collaborations with stakeholdersInputs into the development of the Nigerian Youth Agenda on Political Participation weredrawn from the excerpt of the focus group discussions and technical session during theInter-Party Dialogue Seminar Series and National Summit for Youth in Political Parties.The Inter-Party Dialogue Seminar Series provided youth leaders of political parties andYouth focused civil society organizations to dialogue on the modalities for expandingyouth participation in the political process through the entrenchment of democratic normsand practices in intra and inter-party practices of political parties. The seminarunderscored the ardent need to develop a concise policy agenda for active youth politicalparticipation.A National Youth Public Hearing on Electoral Reform was organized in Febuary 2013. Thepublic hearing provided a platform to further harvest youth inputs on electoralgovernance and youth political participation. A call for the submission of memorandumand six zonal consultative meetings preceded the national youth public hearing. Theyouth public hearing was widely attended by youth groups, youth organizations, studentbodies and individuals who made presentations on areas of interest seeking reform.th thA Technical Youth Working Group retreat was organized on 13 – 15 March 2013 in Abuja.The retreat brought youth experts to deliberate on a range of youth issues harnessed fromnumerous focus group discussions, consultations and dialogues on youth politicalparticipation. The retreat evolved with a harmonized youth position on policyframeworks needed to enhance youth political participation.11

dTwo landmark twitter conferences were hosted on the 23 August 2012 and 13 June2013 to mobilize support for youth issues in the constitution review process.In addition, the methodology extended to a review of primary and secondaryliterature like legislations / instruments which include the African Youth Charter,African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Good Governance, 1999 NigerianConstitution (as amended), Electoral Act 2010, National Youth Policy, media reportsand published report of governmental and non-governmental organizations on youthpolitical participation.12

ISSUE:Youth Legal Framework1Based on available data released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC),there are 73.5 million registered voters in Nigeria. Young people constitute the largest percentageof registered voters. This electoral demography presents a defining block capable of influencingthe outcome of elections at all levels.There is no gainsaying that one major factor that fuels perpetual political alienation andmarginalization of young people from politics is the lack of a definite legal framework thatproperly classifies the youth. Most instruments or policies prescribing youth age like theNational Youth Policy lack the needed binding effect to ensure compliance. Though Nigeria is asignatory to the African Youth Charter, the implementation and domestication still leaves somuch to be desired.To halt this trend, it is imperative to properly classify youth as well as set the criteria forappropriate persons qualified to hold elective and appointive positions at all levels ofgovernance. Beyond the age threshold, which most times preclude young people fromparticipating, there are certain statutory provisions that also limit youth participation in theelectoral process.To ensure the mainstreaming of the youths in Nigeria's political process, key stakeholders likepolitical parties, the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC), National and State Houses ofAssembly, and Local governments should ensure the following:1. Proper classification of youth:13

1.1.1 There should be legally backed classification of youth in Nigeria to refer to persons(both male and female) between the ages of 18 and 35. Such classification could beachieved through an amendment to the Constitution or an Act of Parliament. Thisclassification is in consonance with the National Youth Policy and the AfricanYouth Charter which classifies young people as persons between the ages of 18-35.1.1.2 The age restrictions for contesting for elective posts at all levels should beremoved.1.1.3 Elected and appointive youth portfolio should be occupied by young personsbetween the ages of 18-35 with required capacity. Example of port folios include;Minister and Commissioners of youth and Special advisers on Youth.1.1.4 Political parties must ensure their Constitution and internal party instrumentsproperly classify youth as persons between the ages of 18-35.1.1.5 Political parties should use the age classification as the basis for grantingconcession to young people that aspire to serve the party or contest election on it2. Improved access to the electoral process:2.1.1 Voting Rights for Nigerians in Diaspora: The participation of citizens in thegovernance of their country is a fundamental right that should be protected andenforced. Citizens of Nigeria irrespective of location should be allowed toactively participate in the electoral process by registering and voting atelections. In other words, granting Nigerian citizens' resident abroad the rightto vote encourages participatory democracy and avails them opportunity toperform their civic duty. Section 77(2) and 117(2) of the 1999 Constitution (As amended)should be amended to grant Nigerians who are of voting age andresident abroad the right to vote in elections.14

2.1.2 Voting Rights for Election Day Workers (Election observers, Security agents,health workers): A democratic society provides an enabling environment forthe participation of all its citizens in democratic processes. Thedisenfranchisement of Election Day workers is an undemocratic practicecontrary to the precepts of democracy and universal standards. Over 80% ofelection observers deployed during elections are largely dominated by youngpeople who are not permitted to exercise their civic right due to theoperationalization of the Electoral Act, 2010 (As Amended) and the schedulingof elections. On the average, INEC deploys over 300,000 NYSC members whoare Nigerian citizens but disenfranchised due to no fault of theirs. Early voting should be mainstreamed into our electoral process viaan amendment to the Electoral Act so that Election Day workers canvote days before the official voting day. Countries like Ghana andKenya have early voting system that Nigeria can adopt.2.1.3 Deployment of Technology to Improve Election management and YouthParticipation: The electoral landscape across Africa and the rest of theworld has been influenced significantly by technology and social media.It would be akin to institutional sabotage for any election managementbody not to seek appropriate and immediate avenues to streamlinerecent technology and new media into its election managementactivities. The use of technology for election reduces the chances ofelectoral manipulations and fraud. Section 52(2) of the Electoral Act 2010 should be amended to allow thedeployment of technology to carry out electronic registration,accreditation on Election Day and collation of results.15

Youth Affirmative Action in PoliticalParties and Elective PositionsISSUE:2Youth under representation in political parties is quite obvious. This trend can be establishedthrough a cursory roll call of major political party executives. The youth wings of political parties,where they exist, are akin to crowd sourcing apparatuses, with no strategic plan of developingyouth capacity in politics or governance.Youth largely constitute campaign instruments used by political parties during electioneeringperiods. This non-influential, daunting and challenging role, often times cost young people theirlives. After election victories, young people are relegated to the background and they are lessconsidered for political appointments. This ugly and undemocratic attitude again, contributesgreatly to the socio-economic and political marginalization of this group, which if uncheckedlead to political apathy and despondency.Political offices and positions that deal with youth issues are more often than not occupied byindividuals who are above the youth age with limited knowledge on current realities that concernyouth. Youth Affirmative action and youth representation in elective and appointive positionsstrengthens political mentorship direly needed in our political process.To enhance youth representation in political parties, elective and non elective positions at alllevels of government, we set the following agenda:2.1 Mainstreaming Quota System in the Electoral Process:Political parties should ensure that 30% quota is reserved for young people in allelective and non elective positions.16

2.3 There should be 30% representation of youth in all structures, positions,committees and congresses of political parties.2.3 The office of the National Youth Leader in all political parties shall be occupied byyoung persons that fall within the proper age classification of youth which in thiscase 18-35. The seat of ex-officio should be reserved for young person in the nationalworking committee of the parties.17

Financing Youth Participation in PoliticsISSUE:3The Nigeria political space as well as the democratic environment is money - driven, expensiveand out-rightly monetized. Nigerian youths by virtue of their disadvantaged positions withinthe prism of our national political economy cannot compete favorably in all political contests.Youth can readily compete in any political contest with adults if they can provide the muchneeded financial commitment to pursue their political aspirations mostly reflected in cost ofpurchasing of nomination forms, campaigns, meetings with stakeholders, media e.t.c.The Electoral Act stipulates certain level of funding for elections in Local, State and National Levels.But how many youths can provide that financial base considering the economic gulf in the nation,with about 100 million Nigerians living below poverty level who are mostly youths. Participationwill be more difficult since party executives continued to extort money and goodwill fromaspirants for various political party positions. The cost of competing in today's democraticprocess is relatively high when compared to volunteering for some social actions in thecommunity, thus the need for funding youth participation in politics.In a bid to provide financial support for increased youth participation in politics at all levels ofgovernment, we hereby set the following agenda:3.1 Establishment of a National Youth Political Trust Fund (NYPTF):There shall be a counterpart funding between the federal Ministry of YouthDevelopment, organized private sector, development partners and other18

interested partners in Nigeria, to support youths with funding to aid theirparticipation in political engagements especially for campaigns.The fund if established and effectively managed will serve as a bridge betweenthe Nigerian youth and democratic opportunities that abound in our polity. Itwill also empower and strengthen the youth in their quest to participate inelectoral politics, enhance their capacity and propel them to political and socioculturalrelevance in the society. As it is today, funding is the only missing linkbetween the youths and their political aspirations. A typical example of a modelfund is the Nigerian Women Trust Fund (NWTF).A seven (7) person's independent body will be constituted to manage the fund.The membership will have representation from Ministry of YouthDevelopment, Youth organizations working on democratic governance andelections, interparty youth forum and development partners contributing to thefund. The selection process shall be open and transparent to persons of provenintegrity, discipline and competency.Mandate of NYPTF1. The NYPTF should be established to provide technical support toyouth aspirants and candidates through capacity development,development of tools kits;2. The NYPTF should provide complimentary funding to candidateswho fall within the ages of 18-35years.3. Mobilize resources to support the political aspirations of youngpeople.19

3.1 Party Youth Electoral Support Fund (PYESF)The Nigeria Youth Manifesto (2011) stipulates the need for political parties toapportion 2.5% of yearly financial base to fund youth electoral activities.This will come handy in complementing the funding provided by the NationalYouth Political support Fund (YESF). However, political parties may choose todefine the inflow and modalities of disbursing fund to party candidates oraspirants or as the case may be. Such candidates or aspirants must fall within theages of 18yrs-35yrs.2.1.1 Parties should field persons of youth age and also grant them30% discount on party nomination form.2.1.2 Parties shall ensure strict compliance to campaign financelimits stipulated in the Electoral Act 2010.2.1.3 An internal party policy instrument that compiles parties tomobilize resources to support youth candidates in politicalcampaigns.20

Political Party Structure andAdministrative ProcedureISSUE:4When youth and youth organizations are neither consulted nor included in the policy-makingprocess, their needs are likely to be ignored or insufficiently addressed. The exclusion of youthfrom policy-making processes and power structures, whether deliberate or unintentional, cancreate significant tensions in society which can manifest itself in forms that represent a seriousthreat to the social fabric, such as crime and violence.Youths reecho the need for political parties to reform their ideological base and make politicalparty attractive to underrepresented groups in Nigeria. In view of this, political parties andpublic office holders should adhere to the following:-The youth wing of political parties shall be properly institutionalized with astrong regulatory framework and elected leadership.Political parties should ensure strict adherence to structural requirementsthat reflect equitable youth representation and conforms with the principlesof internal party democracy as enshrined in section 87 of the Electoral Act(2010) and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.Mentoring youths in political party leadership structure; Parties shoulddevelop a mentorship mechanism in line with party ideology, policies andprograms. Such mentorship programs should focus on building the21

leadership competency of young people. A nation that does not provide alink between its current leaders and its future leaders risk the chance ofplanning for its demise.Political party membership mobilization: Political parties should deploytechnology and new media in undertaking periodic mobilization of youngpeople as members of their party.Political parties should have laid down procedures for sanctioning partymember(s) that recruit young people for thuggery and electoral violence.Creation and promotion of political party's associations, clubs, societies intertiary institutions to promote democratic culture and politicalsocialization.Political parties must comply with provisions of the Electoral Act (2010) inthe conduct of party primaries.Political parties in their manifestoes should articulate socio-economicempowerment agenda for young people as captured in the National YouthPolicy and other policy instruments seek to address the socio-economicneeds of young people.22

Nigerian Youth Inter- Party &Civil Society Forum (NIYIPCOF)ISSUE:5Presently, there is an absence of a unified platform where youths in political parties and civilsociety interact, share ideas and information on political issues and national policies that affectthem. In view of the fact that democracy thrives on dialogue, consensus building andcollaboration, it is important to establish a collaborative platform where young politicians andtheir counterparts in civil society can interact regularly. The Nigerian Youth Inter-Party & CivilSociety Forum will provide a meeting ground for youths in political parties and civil society. Thisplatform will bridge the communication gap between youth in political parties and foster unityamongst youth in political parties and youth civil society. The NIYIPCOF will equally affordCSOs working on youth issues, democracy and development the opportunity to engage youths inpolitical parties, share information with them and build synergy needed for youth socioeconomicand political empowerment and advancement.5.1 Composition:The forum shall comprise of young people who are registered members of political partiesand registered youth civil society organizations. The forum will provide a cogent platform forengagement to increase youth political participation. Membership of the forum shall comprise young people who areregistered members of political parties or members of youth civil23

society organizations. For clarity sake, youth refers to young males orfemale within 18 - 35 years; The forum shall have representation of disadvantaged groups likepersons with disabilities and young women at all levels; Leadership: A coordinating committee comprising seven personsdrawn shall be constituted through an election to represent politicalparty and youth CSO interests. The same structure will be adopted atthe zonal and state level; Meetings: The forum shall hold sessions on a quarterly basis. Thisdoes not include emergency meetings or programs hosted by theforum;Objective/Mission1) To help advocate for increased youth participation in politics;2) Strengthen the capacity of youths in politics to be able to compete in electoral democracy.3) To provide knowledge sharing base and to foster partnership and collaborations amongyouths in political parties in Nigeria.4) To give young people the needed voice on national issues and policies that directly orremotely affect them in Nigeria.24

Democratic Standards For ElectionManagementISSUE:6Elections are synonymous with democracy. Hence, it is desirous that the body responsible for themanagement of elections as well as its administration should possess and reflect democraticvalues such as equity, fairness, openness and integrity. There reason being that where all theseexist, everyone will be guarantee equal opportunity.6.1 Independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission and StateIndependent Electoral CommissionAn independent election management body guarantees credible elections, electoraljustice, fairness, and equity that restore citizens' confidence in the electoral process. Tosafeguard the electoral process from undue interference, manipulation and politicalmaneuvering, INEC and SIECs should enjoy absolute independence, though with somechecks and balances to avert arbitrariness.Following Justice Uwais Committee's recommendation, the National Assembly in 2010amended the constitution to reinforce the independence of the electoral commission. The8amendments granted the electoral commission financial independence , empower INEC9to formulate its domestic rules and regulations without recourse to the President . Theamendment also addressed the non-partisanship question for the Chairman and Nationalcommissioner. With the new amendment, the Chairman and National Commissioners are8Section 84, Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (As amended)9Section 160(1), Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (As amended)25

10required to be non-partisan .These significant amendments, though plausible does not utterly guarantee theindependence of the commission. The process of appointing the principal officers of thecommission and the operational independence of the commission requires review.6.1. 2 Recommendations1. The appointment of the INEC Chairman, National Commissioners and Resident11Electoral Commissioners should be divested from the office of the President . Thepower to appoint the SIEC Chairman and other officials at the state level shouldalso be divested from the office of the Governor of the state. A public call forapplications should be issued to enable interested Nigerians with impeccablecharacter to apply. The National Judicial Council should review the applicationsand make recommendations to the National Assembly for consideration andconfirmation.2. To grant the electoral commission operational independence, a new sub section12under Section 158 should be enacted to make the commission not subject to thedirection or control of any other authority or person in all its operations. Presently,the National Population Commission which is a creation of the constitution underSection 153 of the constitution enjoys additional operational independence underSection 158 (2) of the constitution.10Section 156 and Paragraph 14(2)(a) of 3rd Schedule11Chapter 5, Justice Uwais Committee Report (5.5 -5.5.3.7)12Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (As amended)26

3. Government at all levels must provide an enabling environment for Youth CSOsand other non state actors to provide citizens oversight on the appointment processof officers of the electoral commission at national and state levels.6.2 Voter registrationThe building block of any credible election is a credible and updated register of voters.13INEC is statutorily responsible for the conduct of continuous voter registration .Considering the increase in the number of young people who attain the age of 18 yearsimmediately after the conduct of the 2011 general elections, it is imperative that INECcommences continuous voters registration well ahead of time before the next generalelections.6.2.1 Recommendations1. Candidates seeking to run for an elective office must be a registered voter. To thisend, the relevant sections of the 1999 Constitution prescribing the criteria forrunning for elective offices such as President, Governor, National and StateAssemblies should be amended to include registration as a voter as one of thecriteria.2. INEC should partner with youth CSOs and other stakeholders to conduct robustvoter and civic education to mobilize young people especially first time voters toregister.13Section 10, Electoral Act 201027

3. INEC should conduct the continuous voters registration exercise in an open andtransparent process that will guarantee a successful continuous voter registrationexercise devoid of administrative bottlenecks and needless time consumingprocedure.6.3 Prosecution of Electoral OffencesA major threat to our democracy is the growing rate of electoral fraud and violence in ourelectoral process. Despite the alarming rate of electoral violence and the adverse effect onthe electoral process and the nation at large, electoral offenders are barely prosecuted of14convicted for any offence. The Electoral Act 2010 clearly prescribes acts that are regardedas electoral offences. The Act also vests the powers to prosecute electoral offences on15INEC . The high number of electoral offences and the limited capacity within thecommission to handle these cases makes the prosecution of the electoral offender nothingbut a mirage. In other word, INEC as presently constituted cannot discharge the function16of prosecuting electoral offences as stipulated in the Electoral Act .6.3.1 Recommendations1. The National Assembly should pass an Electoral Offences Commission Billthat seeks to establish an Electoral Offences Commission saddled with theresponsibility of investigation and prosecution of electoral offences thusrelieving the Independent National Electoral Commission the onerous task ofprosecuting electoral offences.14Under Part 8, Section 117-13215Section 150 (1),(2), Electoral Act 201016Ibid28

This is consonance with the recommendation of the Justice Uwais ElectoralReform Committee.2. Young people between the ages of 18-35 should have representation on theboard of the commission.3. Section 174 (c) and S. 211(c) of the 1999 Constitution should be amended tostrip-off the power of Attorney General of the Federation and AttorneyGeneral of a State, the power to enter a nolle prosecui or the power todiscontinue at any stage before judgment is delivered in any criminalproceeding.4. A constitutional amendment that seeks to disqualify persons convicted ofelectoral offences for a period of ten years or more before the date of anelection. Such a person(s) must be convicted by a competent court ofjurisdiction or tribunal.9Under Part 8, Section 117-13229

OBLIGATION FOR YOUTHS IN POLITICAL PARTIESThe Nigerian Youth Agenda on Political Participation is a document of the youths, by the youthsand for the youths. Hence, they are duty bound to ensure sustained advocacy on the attainment ofthe cardinal objectives of this document. Whilst performing their civic duty, young people mustensure they drive political development by undertaking the following roles;1. Youth should join political parties of their choice based on clear understanding of partyidealogy and principles.2. Youth should be involved in mass mobilization and sensitization of the electorates ondemocracy and good governance;3. Youths should organize issue-based debates on national issues among members ofPolitical parties, especially the aspirants;4. Youth should solicit for funds to implement party programs;5. Youth should be actively involved in election monitoring and observation.6. Youths should explore the social media to advance and improve political partydevelopment;7. Party youth leaders should create an operational synergy between their parties and youthpolitical CSOs;8. Contribute in party financial base payment of dues and pledges;9. Youth should sometimes offer themselves as volunteers to aid their learning of partypolitics.30

OBLIGATION FOR YOUTH CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS1. CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT: Youth CSOs should undertake capacity developmentinitiatives to strengthen the capacity of the youths interested in politics;2. RESEARCH AND POLICY DEVELOPMENT: Youth CSOs should oversee andcoordinate research on youths and political participation and also facilitate thedevelopment of youth-oriented policies that enhance the political participation of youngpeople;3. ADVOCACY: Youth CSOs should undertake advocacy initiatives geared towardsadvancing the political aspirations of young people.4. MONITORING: Youth CSOs should monitor the design, implementation and impact ofgovernment, political party and non-government policies and programs on youth;5. PUBLIC AWARENESS: Youth CSOs should raise public awareness on specific youthissues impeding youth participation and also advance recommendations on practicalstrategies for enhancing youth participation in decision making processes.31

Bibliography1. Uhara, E. “Nigerian Youth and Leadership Challenge” The Sun Newspaper, February20, 2014. http://sunnewsonline.com/new/?p=526702. Ashiru, D. “Youth, Political Participation and Democratic Consolidation in Nigeria”The Nigerian Youth: Political Participation and National Development (eds) HarunaWakili et al, 2010, Kano: Aminu Kano Center for Democratic Research and Training.3. Ismaila Aro, O. “Boko Haram Insurgency in Nigeria: Its Implication and Way Forward"Towards Avoidance of Future Insurgency.” International Journal of Scientific andResearch Publications, Volume 3, Issue11, November 2013.4. Okpanachi, E. “Youth Participation, Citizenship and Development in Nigeria”, TheNigerian Youth: Political Participation and National Development (eds) Haruna Wakili .5. Bello Kano, I. “Differences without Positive Terms: Intentionality, Subjectivity andAgency in the Discourse of Youth” In The Nigerian Youth: Political Participation andNational Development (eds) Haruna Wakili et al.32

Vote for theYouthDemocratic Governance for Development (DGD) II ProjectForeign Affairs, Trade andDevelopment CanadaAffaires étrangères, Commerceet Développement Canada