....Youths Must Rise Beyond Online Politics and Take Their Place in Leadership
The outcome of the recent APC primaries in Delta State has once again opened an important conversation about youth participation in Nigerian politics and the urgent need for young people to move beyond social media activism into active political engagement.
The emergence of the daughters of former Delta State governors, Chief James Ibori, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, and Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, as winners in various elective positions has generated reactions across political circles. While many have debated the influence of political families in Nigeria, there is also a deeper lesson young people must learn from the development.
Rather than turning the discussion into attacks or condemnation, the moment should serve as a wake-up call for Nigerian youths to understand the importance of political structure, long-term planning, mentorship, and strategic involvement in governance.
Politics is not won merely through online arguments, insults, or endless “damage control” for politicians on social media. Real political relevance comes from participation, preparation, loyalty to a cause, community engagement, and the courage to step into the arena.
For years, many young Nigerians have reduced themselves to online defenders of politicians, spending valuable time attacking critics and promoting political figures without building personal political identities or structures of their own. Some become social media warriors for stipends, while others do it simply for recognition and access. Yet, when opportunities for leadership emerge, they are nowhere near the decision-making table.
Meanwhile, established politicians are naturally investing in the future of their children and political families. Like every parent who desires success and continuity for their offspring, many political leaders prepare their children for leadership by exposing them early to governance, networks, political organization, and influence. There is nothing unusual about parents wanting the best for their children.
The real question young people should ask themselves is: what are they doing to prepare themselves for leadership?
Instead of waiting endlessly to be “used” during campaigns, youths must begin to build capacity, join political parties, attend ward meetings, understand grassroots politics, develop leadership skills, and position themselves for elective and appointive offices.
The success of the daughters of Ibori, Uduaghan, and Okowa should not discourage young Nigerians. Rather, it should inspire them to become more intentional about their political future. Political power is rarely handed over to those who remain spectators. It often goes to those who prepare, organize, and consistently show up.
Nigeria needs a new generation of youths who are ready not just to trend online, but to contest elections, influence policies, mobilize communities, and occupy positions of authority.
The era of procrastination must end. Young people must stop believing that politics belongs only to political families or the wealthy elite. Every influential politician today started from somewhere — with a structure, a vision, and consistent involvement.
If the youths truly desire change, then they must move from being online supporters to becoming active stakeholders in the political process. The future belongs to those who prepare for it, not those who merely complain about it.