The Executive Director of the non-governmental organization (CSO), Conscience for Human Rights & Conflict Resolution (CHRCR), Idris Miliki Abdul, has urged political parties to develop viable policies that would inspire Nigerian youth for leadership.
He made the call on Thursday in Lokoja, during a one-day “Post Governorship Elections Review Meeting For Political Parties In Kogi.”
Miliki stressed the need for improvement in the participation of young individuals in government and leadership in Kogi and Nigeria at large.
He decried the rate at which Nigerian youth have been marginalized in the political space, while encouraging political parties to develop policies for youth development targeting thematic areas.
He emphasised that Nigeria needed its youth to remain fully engaged in the political process, stating that peace, security, citizens’ well-being, and partnership were key to achieving the SDGs by 2030 and ensuring that no one was left behind.
“Despite the significant number of young individuals and the presence of the ‘Not Too Young To Run Act’ of the National Parliament, the number of young people in political leadership positions, both elective and appointive, is still very low. This has led to the discouragement of youth commitment in promoting good governance in Nigeria that can lead to their effective participation,” he said.
Miliki further urged opposition parties to take responsibility in checkmating the ruling party and holding them accountable to the people.
“What is my role and responsibility to society, my community, local government, state, and country?
“The political parties have a role to play in post-elections by holding the ruling party accountable to the people. They must observe the ruling party and governance after the election, make pronouncements, and monitor the performance of the government,” Miliki said.
The activist condemned the act of vote buying and selling during the Kogi governorship elections, instead of using the funds to execute projects for the collective benefit of the people.
Miliki also decried the inability of the Kogi Government to conduct Local Government elections, stressing that the tenure of the present chairmen expired on December 14, 2023.
Representatives of political parties present included the All Progressive Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Party (ADC), Labour Party (LP), Young Progressive Party (YPP), Boot Party (BP) APGA, PRP, among others.
In their separate comments, the representatives of political parties promised to develop policies in their various parties that would ensure youth participation in leadership at all levels.