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Guys! It is now agreed that part of the steps forward is to do all that is possible to ensure that our voice is heard at the polls. This will be my first in a series of advocacy statements I'll be making from now on. My focus today is youth participation in politics. /1
It is common place to find young people show apathy towards politics and political affairs except where they are used for campaigns by the old guard. It is also now public knowledge that events of the past weeks have awakened the zeal to fight for a stake in the country. /2
I know that there has been a move now to launch a party for young people. While that is commendable and necessary, we know that the government which is now very scared of the youth will do all in its power to stifle the registration of such a party. My advice is this; /3
Join any of the existing parties, particularly the major parties. This is only an interim arrangement. When we do, we affect the leadership recruitment process in those parties. We try to form the bulk of the delegates coming from those parties. With that we'll b able to present
qualitative candidates.
Secondly, for those who may wish to vie for political offices, you have between now and December to register. Most political parties' constitutions stipulate that only members who have been in that party for minimum of two years are qualified to contest.
Secondly, for those who may wish to vie for political offices, you have between now and December to register. Most political parties' constitutions stipulate that only members who have been in that party for minimum of two years are qualified to contest.
Unless such a person is granted a waiver. We know that since we're trying to upstage the system, no one will grant you a waiver. Register now and ensure you pay your party dues promptly. While registering, ensure you go to your locality. For instance, if you're from Plateau, /5
and resident in Jos but wish to contest for state assembly in Pankshin south, go to your ward e.g Kagu ward and register. Do not register at the LG party office, go to your ward. When you're done registering, the real work starts. Dem no dey do big boy/girl for politics.
You must have a plan for publicity. You're most likely to be unpopular. So you must get to know your party ward EXCO. Make them your friends. Attend all festivals in your village. See Matan Zumunta of your local church? Don't play with them. No one can give you publicity
like those women. Have them by your side and you're half way there. Again, never spend Christmas outside your village. When you're in the village, make sure everyone knows you're in town. If you usually visit your village twice a year, ensure you make it a routine to be there
