Youth Political Participation in Nigeria: A Theoretical Synthesis

Abstract

Exploration of political participation as concept and in context is commonplace in political science, political sociology, and other interstitial disciplines, but its exact role and conceptual importance is debated. This study clarifies how political engagement is understood and the activities that constitute it or are included. The paper further explains political participation, first by presenting an outline of how previous literature have interpreted and adjusted the concept. A brief analysis of the core debate on the activities that ought to be recognised as political engagement has also been examined. It zeros in with the analysis of reasons youths engage and some fail to participate in politics in Nigeria.

Youth Political Participation and Party Politics during the 2023 General Elections in Nigeria

“…Research on youth political activism in Nigeria has increased, especially after May 29, 1999, when Nigeria returned to democratic governance. For instance, Vite et al (2020) investigated how political involvement is understood as well as the actions that either make up or are a part of it. In order to further understand political involvement, the study first provides an overview of how the idea has been defined and modified in earlier work.…”

Assessment of Government Teacher’s Awareness of Quality Assurance Guidelines in Curriculum Implementation in Secondary Schools in Nsukka L.G.A, Enugu State

“…According to Afolabi, Olufunmilayo, and Adeola (2019), the level of political participation of youths in Nigeria is low in comparison with other countries. Young people have lost interest in political activities in Nigeria (Vite, Stephen, Gbimoiye, & Kabee, 2020). Even though democracy is said to be "government of the people and by the people" many Nigerian citizens are unconcerned about political matters even the ones that affect them.…”