Omoyele Sowore, the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in the 2023 election, has raised concerns over the attitude of young Nigerians towards politics, particularly in light of recent events surrounding the swearing-in of Senegal's 44-year-old president, Bassirou Diomaye Faye.
Faye's inauguration, attended by several African leaders in Dakar, has sparked hopes that other African countries, including Nigeria, will embrace similar youthful leadership. However, Sowore contends that Nigerian youth are predominantly focused on securing positions as personal assistants to governors and other leaders rather than aspiring for leadership roles themselves.
Speaking on Channels Television's Politics Today, Sowore, who joined the conversation from New Jersey in the United States, emphasized the need for Nigerian youths to exhibit more ambition and courage in politics to emulate the Senegalese example.
He criticized the prevalent mindset of young Nigerians, describing it as "tag along," and urged them to step up and take charge of their political destiny. Sowore emphasized the importance of visionary and responsive leadership, highlighting the vitality of youthfulness in governance.
Despite the enactment of the Not Too Young Bill by former President Muhammadu Buhari, which allows youths to contest for various political positions, Sowore stressed the urgency for youth to proactively seize power rather than waiting for legislative measures.
In advocating for youth empowerment in politics, Sowore underscored the imperative for a new generation of leaders who are not only youthful but also proactive, dynamic, and committed to driving positive change in Nigeria's political landscape.
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