A must read: Youth Democratic Party of Nigeria: The way forward

Since the #endsars protest in October 2020, that saw majority of youths in the country trooped out from all corners of the Nation demanding for end to police brutality and end to bad governance, youth has saw the need for them to take over leadership from the recycled set of old leaders that has brought the nation to a state of  nearly unfruitfulness, turmoil, backwardness, suffering and shame despite our abundant God given human and natural resources across the land. The youths has thought the only motives the old politicians run for elective positions is to steal public funds, live a life of luxury at the expense of the common citizens who barely can take care of their immediate family needs and environment.

ENDSARs protest, October 2020

The youths has demand to take over leadership but we all know it is not going to be an easy or a day task. The governor of Kaduna State, His Excellency Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai has said in an interview that power does not come to the youth because they feel entitled to it just because they are young. The youth has to fight for it. If the youths demand for change in government and are tired of the way the old people run the affairs of the Nation, they have to fight for it because no one will give them on a platter of gold or feeling entitled to power because they are young.

This is a wake up call to all youths across the country who feel the need to be participants in the country's leadership rather than mere  spectators. Hence the strong demand for a political party platform that youths can collectively come together and contest for positions across the country especially the number one position, the presidency.

However, we all know that concentrating on just the number one position in the country might as well be unfeasible as there are other positions we know has core importance before the youths can successfully produce a president. 

If the old and popular political parties still want to recycle the old leaders who has turn the leadership of the country to their family affairs; wants to sidelined the youths in running for positions, there is need to build a concrete platform to enhance a general course of leadership which is build on true Federalism and patriotism. A party were sound minds and intellects come together in one accord putting behind regionalism, tribalism and religion. To many, the Youth Democratic Party of Nigeria is of such purpose. However, the big question still remains, what are the plans to succeed?

First of all, as a new party, there must be leaders who are ready to serve the people with a clear vision of the party. Leaders who merit leadership positions on the basis of morals, integrity, patriotism, accountability and honesty. 

The task at hand is beyond putting some fancy words together as a name to a party. There is a lot of leadership work to be done in local level especially to sensitize the masses of the mission and motive of the newly formed party. This include local level conventions and awareness campaign. 

It will be foolish to say we want a new set of leaders under a new party and then we sit at the comfort of our homes in front of our mobile gadgets and computers ranting on social platforms on how much we need to take over leadership. Voting is not done on social platforms unless, if we are lucky, if the new electoral act bill supports voting from electronic devices. Until then, we have to plan with the already system in place. How we can conquer in it. 

Another questions arises when we say we want youths or young people to take over leadership. The question is, are old people not part of the leadership system? What is their place and how much do we need them?

Well, in my house, when Dad and Mom is around, there is to some great extent orderliness even as we the children do the work and they both sit to observe what we do and correct us when we go wrong. 

The same can be likely to our old leaders. We have to find a way to involve them in leadership not as the sitting leaders or godfathers but leaders through mentorship, role modeling, statesmanhip and fathers we can run to for advice. We can not totally exclude the old leaders from the new era of leadership that will see us to a promising country. They all have to be involved  in leadership too. 

Another question arises from here. Will the old leaders wants to relax and mentor? Let leave that to them to answer.

One thing is to be a youth in Nigeria and the other is to be a patriot. I have seen worst youths in politics. It will be disastrous that we succeeded in having our youthful president that is worst than the old incapable leaders that we chased away. Going for just the presidential position is to some extent not the major and ideal task at hand now. Youth should be able to contest local positions mostly. It would be better to have 70 youths as senators and more than 200 or more house of representative members. Even if we have an old leaders as president. We can still affect and change the country and build gradually in these leadership positions rather than fight for a presidency that might not be feasible.

There is nothing wrong if the youth also contest on the old political platforms that are already with structure. We know these old platforms are build on a very flawed foundation of godfatherism and paying homage to senior comrades. Well, they say if you need a favour, you will need to  have a longer hand to stretch. 

In recent times, the Young Progressive Party has changed their logo and to welcome the youths in to the party to contest for different positions. This is a very welcome development  to grab. We must not all be in one party (Youth Democratic Party of Nigeria). That is the beauty of democracy.

Thanks for reading and we hope to achieve a Nigeria of our Dream.

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