In October 2020, the streets of Nigeria erupted with the voices of young people demanding an end to police brutality. The #EndSARS protests, driven largely by Nigerian youths, became a defining moment in the nation’s history. It was a movement fueled by frustration, resilience, and hope and a collective call for accountability, justice, and a better future.
The protests were about more than just the now-disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS); they were a battle cry against systemic oppression, corruption, and the lack of youth representation in governance. While the protests eventually ended, the fire they ignited has not burned out. Instead, it has spurred a new wave of political consciousness and engagement among Nigerian youths, shifting the narrative from protest to power.
A History of Marginalisation
For decades, Nigerian youths have been sidelined in the country’s governance. Despite making up over 60 percent of the population, young people have often been reduced to the role of voters or, worse, passive observers in the political process. Leadership positions have been dominated by older politicians, many of whom have held power for decades. This exclusion has instilled a sense of disillusionment, but it has also planted seeds of rebellion. The #NotTooYoungToRun Act, passed in 2018, was a significant milestone, lowering the age requirement for elective offices and signalling a shift toward youth inclusion. However, the struggle for representation did not end with the passage of the bill; it only began.
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The Shift from Protest to Participation
The aftermath of #EndSARS has been transformative. Many of the young Nigerians who organized and participated in the protests have taken their activism a step further, entering the political arena to challenge the status quo. Take, for instance, the rise of youth-led political parties and independent candidates contesting for local government and legislative positions. Social media, once a platform for protests, has evolved into a tool for political campaigns, advocacy, and grassroots mobilisation. Young Nigerians are not just demanding change; they are becoming the change. Across the country, many youths are now joining political movements, contesting elections, and holding leadership positions in student unions and community organizations.
The Barriers to Overcome
Despite this progress, the road to power is fraught with challenges. Nigerian youths face systemic barriers, including limited access to funding for campaigns, entrenched political godfatherism, and the pervasive use of intimidation to suppress dissenting voices. But history has shown that young Nigerians are resilient. The protests demonstrated their ability to organise, strategise, and mobilise. These same skills are now being channelled into governance.
What’s Next for Nigerian Youths?
The journey from protest to power is not a sprint but a marathon. For this shift to be sustainable, Nigerian youths must invest in political education because understanding the intricacies of governance and policy-making is essential for meaningful participation. Secondly, they must collaborate across movements. This is because building coalitions between youth groups, civil society organisations, and even progressive older leaders can further amplify their impact and influence. Thirdly, they must explore grassroots engagement. Real change often begins at the local level. Working directly with communities can create the much-needed tangible impacts.
Lastly but not ultimately, Nigerian youths must remain resilient. Change will not come easily, but persistence is key.
A New Era of Governance
The story of Nigerian youths rewriting the rules of governance is still being written. Every protest, campaign, and election mark a new chapter in the fight for representation and equity. The youths of Nigeria are no longer content with waiting for their turn. They are taking their place, challenging the norms, and proving that leadership is not defined by age but by vision, courage, and the willingness to serve. As the nation looks to the future, one thing is clear: the voices that once echoed on the streets during #EndSARS are now finding their way into the halls of power, rewriting the rules and shaping a new narrative for governance in Nigeria.