The myth has always been there. The belief of ‘I don’t care,’ having a nonchalant attitude towards politics. Many Nigerians believe that the political cabals already have their candidates so it’s a waste of energy to participate in elections. A few elections in Nigeria have proven that the youths are uninterested in the political affairs of the country. Politics, they believe to be a family business resulting in monarchy.
The youth feel they have other contemplating issues to tend to rather than local politics. They believe their votes do not count but I would like to ask; why do you think aspiring candidates go from state to state to campaign? Some candidates even go as far as eating roasted corn by the roadside while their wives dish out food at a local canteen. Well, all they require of you is to cast a vote for them because they know the importance of it even if the PVC withholder is ignorant of the use.
Recently, the youths are doing well in the political space. Probably, they’re tired of the previous government. Seeing the youths on the street educating market women, bus drivers, motorcyclists, etc., is commendable.
A few days back, I saw a skit which I consider an accidental social experiment. The skit maker went to the mall and asked some youths if they can provide what he asked of them, and they will be given #5,000 cash. They were asked to provide their PVC but NONE of them could provide it. They gave different excuses for not having it. This skit maker went on to the market to meet some women with the same offer, guess what? They all had their PVC in their purse.
So many factors have contributed to the lack of interest in political activities among the youth. Some pinned it on fear of violence during elections, some believe their votes wouldn’t count, some lack trust in the political system and electoral body and so many more.
Some people don’t vote because of the negative opinion they have of politicians. Some believe that politicians don’t care what average Nigerians
think and some say that once elected, politicians lose touch with the grassroots voters. Part of this dislike comes from the number of scandals at all levels of government involving politicians of all parties. Other people believe that politicians will say anything to get elected and once in office, don’t represent their interests.
In conclusion, the people below the age of 49 comprise 75% of 100% of total registered voters for the upcoming general election, the highest of all time. I hope the youths aren’t just clamoring online and just being online warriors. Having a PVC is not the end, have you confirmed your polling unit location?
Sulaimon, Ibrahim Oladimeji (IBS) Department Of English Language, Lagos State University.
