Beyond the Form: Why Nigerian Youths Keep Funding the Same Political Elites Who Failed Them

In a pointed social media post that has sparked widespread debate, former Nigerian lawmaker Shehu Sani has challenged the political logic of the country’s youth. His central question is both provocative and urgent: “Why are the youths not contributing money to buy forms for the members of their generation to contest elections, but prefer to buy forms for the political elites ‘that failed their generation’?”

This critique, shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, cuts to the heart of a generational paradox in Nigerian politics. While young Nigerians dominate social media, drive cultural trends, and form the largest demographic bloc, they remain politically marginalized — often by their own choices. Sani’s remarks are not merely a lament; they are a call to action, urging the youth to leverage the “Not Too Young To Run Act” — a landmark law passed in 2018 that reduced the age requirement for presidential candidates from 40 to 35, and for governors and senators from 35 to 30.

But why does this pattern persist? And what deeper forces are at play? Let’s unpack the layers beneath Sani’s statement.

The Generational Funding Trap: Why Youths Bankroll the Old Guard

At first glance, the behavior seems irrational. Why would a generation that consistently complains about unemployment, poor infrastructure, and lack of opportunity voluntarily fund the very politicians who presided over these failures? The answer lies in a combination of political patronage, fear of the unknown, and a deeply entrenched culture of transactional loyalty.

• Patronage Networks: Many young Nigerians are embedded in political godfatherism. They support older politicians not out of ideological alignment, but because these elites control access to jobs, contracts, and small-scale financial handouts. Buying a nomination form for a local big man is often seen as an investment — a way to secure a future favor.
• Lack of Trust in Peers: There is a pervasive belief among many youths that their own generation lacks the experience, connections, or financial muscle to win elections. This self-limiting belief is reinforced by older politicians who frame youth candidates as “inexperienced” or “not ready.”
• Social Media vs. Political Mobilization: As Sani notes, young Nigerians have immense “social media energy” — they can trend hashtags, organize online protests, and amplify voices. But this energy rarely translates into the hard, offline work of voter registration, party membership, or fundraising for peer candidates. The gap between digital activism and political reality remains vast.

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The “Not Too Young To Run Act”: A Tool Still Underutilized

Passed in 2018 after years of advocacy, the Not Too Young To Run Act was hailed as a watershed moment for Nigerian democracy. It lowered age barriers for key political offices, theoretically opening the door for a new generation of leaders. Yet, six years later, the impact has been muted. Why?

• Financial Barriers Remain: While the age barrier was lowered, the cost of nomination forms — often running into millions of naira — remains prohibitive for most young aspirants. Without a wealthy patron or a collective fundraising effort, many cannot even enter the race.
• Party Gatekeeping: Political parties, controlled by older elites, often impose additional hurdles — from high membership fees to opaque primary processes that favor incumbents. Young candidates are frequently sidelined or forced to step down for “party unity.”
• Lack of Mentorship and Infrastructure: Even when young candidates secure forms, they often lack the campaign infrastructure, media training, and strategic support that older politicians have built over decades. The playing field is far from level.

Practical Examples: Where Youth-Led Politics Has Worked

Despite the challenges, there are glimmers of hope. In the 2023 elections, a handful of young candidates — such as Hon. Kafilat Ogbara (32, elected to the House of Representatives) and Hon. Joshua Gana (34, elected to the Niger State House of Assembly) — proved that with grassroots mobilization and community trust, youth can win. Their campaigns relied not on big money, but on small donations from peers, door-to-door engagement, and a clear message of generational change.

Similarly, in local government elections in states like Lagos and Kaduna, youth-led community groups have successfully funded candidates through cooperative savings schemes (known locally as ajo or esusu). These examples show that the model Sani advocates for — youths pooling resources to support their own — is not a fantasy. It is a replicable strategy.

What Needs to Change: A Roadmap for Youth Political Empowerment

To break the cycle, Sani’s critique must be met with concrete action. Here are three steps that could transform social media energy into political power:

1. Create Youth Political Funds: Instead of donating to individual older politicians, young Nigerians should form transparent, collective funds — managed by trusted peers — to sponsor multiple youth candidates across different parties. This reduces risk and builds a pipeline of future leaders.
2. Demand Party Reforms: Youth wings of political parties must push for internal democracy, including reduced nomination fees for first-time candidates under 40, and mandatory youth representation on party executive committees.
3. Invest in Political Education: Social media influencers and civil society organizations should run campaigns that teach practical politics: how to register as a voter, how to join a party, how to run a primary campaign, and how to fundraise. Knowledge is the first step to power.

Conclusion: The Form Is Just the Beginning

Shehu Sani’s question is uncomfortable because it forces a mirror on a generation that often feels powerless. But the truth is that power is not given — it is taken. The Not Too Young To Run Act is a door that has been opened. The question remains: will Nigerian youths walk through it together, or will they continue to hand the keys to the very people who locked them out?

As Sani put it, the choice is stark: transform your energy into political action, or remain a footnote in a story written by others. The next election cycle is coming. The forms are waiting. Who will buy them — and for whom?

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