By Adeyinka Adeniran
A prominent advocate for youth and women’s inclusion in governance, Farmer Omolara Svensson Busari has emphasized the urgent need for structural reforms to strengthen young people’s participation in Nigeria’s political system. Busari made the call during the All Progressives Congress (APC) Youth in Politics Sensitisation 1.0 held in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The event, themed “Understanding Our Role in Active Politics,” brought together APC stakeholders, youth leaders, political educators, development partners, and aspiring young politicians to discuss political participation, civic responsibility, and leadership development. Busari lamented the persistent underrepresentation of young people in governance, citing recent demographic statistics that show youth occupy barely 6.6% of elective seats nationwide despite making up a significant portion of the population.
She noted that the Not-Too-Young-To-Run constitutional amendment of 2018, which lowered age requirements for certain positions, has not translated into meaningful youth inclusion. Busari highlighted systemic obstacles such as high nomination costs, campaign financing challenges, political intimidation, and limited confidence among youth, which restrict their ability to participate in politics.
To address these challenges, Busari proposed practical solutions, including mentorship models, digital mobilisation strategies, coalition-building initiatives, and ready-to-use campaign tools. She emphasized the importance of empowering young people to participate in politics, stating, “If young people fail to participate, decisions will continue to be made for them rather than by them. The future they desire must be built with their own hands.”
Other speakers at the event echoed Busari’s sentiments. Hon. Biliaminu Aderemi Ogundele, former Executive Chairman of Ona Ara Local Government, stressed the importance of youth awareness and active participation in politics, while Rasheed Yinka Folarin, a chieftain of the APC, highlighted the need to recognise genuine youth leadership and support young people in the political system.
