Youth Participation In Politics: Ebonyi Revenue Official Urges Capacity, Unity Ahead Of 2027
A Secretary, Ebonyi State Internal Revenue Service and member FON Board of Trustee, Dr. Emmanuel Ede Egba, has called on Nigerian youths to embrace responsible political participation, warning against political violence, tribal sentiments and divisive engagements ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a commentary titled “Youth Participation in Politics in Nigeria: Precepts, Perils, and the Ripeness of Time,” Dr. Egba lamented the long-standing marginalisation of young people in African politics, despite repeated assurances that they are “leaders of tomorrow.”
According to him, the political space in Africa has traditionally been dominated by older elites, while youths are often relegated to the background and manipulated for selfish political interests.
He warned that many frustrated youths have continued to be used as instruments for electoral violence, ballot snatching and social media attacks during election seasons, only to be abandoned after elections.
Describing such practices as dangerous and counterproductive, Egba said politics should not be reduced to a platform for mediocrity, hatred and ethnic division.
Quoting Roman philosopher Lucius Annaeus Seneca, he noted that leadership without vision breeds confusion and poor governance, stressing that Nigeria’s political environment has increasingly been characterised by selfishness, divisiveness and unprincipled leadership.
The revenue official, however, commended the Governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, for creating opportunities for young people through appointments into government positions.
He described the governor’s leadership approach as a deliberate effort to break old political barriers and empower a new generation of leaders in the state.
Egba said the administration’s “People’s Charter of Needs” agenda had opened a new chapter for youth inclusion and participation in governance, adding that the opportunity must be matched with responsibility, maturity and competence.
While expressing concern over what he described as increasing political ethnocentrism, blind loyalty and divisive social media engagements among some youths, he urged young Nigerians to avoid becoming tools for political conflict and propaganda.
He further advised youths to focus on building capacity and integrity rather than merely seeking political offices.
According to him, politics should be approached as a call to service and nation-building, not as an avenue for personal gain or patronage.
He outlined three key principles for young people in politics: preparation over mere ambition, loyalty over betrayal, and unity over sectionalism and chauvinism.
Egba also urged Nigerian youths to reject the “do-or-die” mentality often associated with politics and instead support leaders based on vision, competence and development-oriented policies.
He stressed that the future of the country depends largely on the character, discipline and preparedness of its younger generation.
The commentator concluded by urging youths in Ebonyi and across Nigeria to rise above political bitterness, violence and unnecessary media wars as the 2027 elections approach, adding that history would judge how effectively they utilise the opportunities currently before them.
