Young Nigerians have been advised to contest for elective positions in the 2023 elections if they want to assume power.
The charge was made by the Vice-President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo during a two-day retreat for young legislators in Lagos.
Represented by Senator Babajide Omoworare, Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Osinbajo said power is never given on a platter.
Osinbajo further said the not-too-young-to-run movement would be defeated if the youths fail to contest for elective positions.
He said the government had been preparing and equipping the capacity of youths as future leaders, stressing that youths who are ready to hold elective positions in 2023 should join a political party or form new ones.
“In preparation for 2023 general elections, we must realize that greater participation of our youths should not be mere rhetoric,” he said.
“Power is never handed over on a platter. If you don’t bid, you can’t win. We must also register to vote.
“The whole essence is to ensure that youths get involved in the process of democracy and also in the parliamentary process.”
The Vice President condemned the nonchalant attitude of youths during electioneering periods, adding that in other climes, youths volunteer to mobilize people for political participation.
He said the participation of youths in democratic processes would inject fresh ideas and build public interest in governance.
“The involvement of young persons in the democratic and legislative processes will give us a better democracy and opportunity to make Nigeria a greater country,’’ he added.
