Stakeholders urge youths to fight for political spaces

Stakeholders are raising alarms over the growing exclusion and marginalization of young people from decision-making processes across West Africa, warning that this trend is fostering disillusionment and weakening democratic institutions in the sub-region.

Concerns were voiced Tuesday in Abuja at the Next Gen Initiative West Africa Youth Regional Symposium 2026. Participants urged young people to take proactive steps and actively participate in the democratic process, rather than remaining on the sidelines.

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I think that young people just need to engage more. If you think about names like Nelson Mandela, Patrice Lumumba, Thomas Sankara, Kwame Nkrumah, Sam Nujoma it wasn’t served; they engaged and built themselves towards political power.

Francis Madugu, Nigeria Country Director for the National Democratic Institute, advised young people to become more involved in governance. He noted that while many feel they have less access to political power than previous generations, increased engagement remains the most effective path to influence and leadership. Madugu cited historical figures like Nelson Mandela and Thomas Sankara as examples of leaders who actively pursued political power through engagement.

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I don’t think young people can sit out, stay out and criticise, or say that opportunities were not given. You have to engage.

Madugu stressed the importance of power mapping, advocacy strategies, and practical civic participation for youth aiming to influence governance and public policy. He asserted that young people must stay informed, participate actively, and seize opportunities to shape decision-making. "I don’t think young people can sit out, stay out and criticise, or say that opportunities were not given. You have to engage," he stated.

Paul Osei-Kuffour, Coordinator of the West Africa Democracy Solidarity Network, echoed these concerns, noting that many young people doubt democracy's ability to deliver tangible results. This skepticism makes them vulnerable and disengaged from governance. He called for urgent examination of strategies and tools to boost youth participation in democratic processes throughout West Africa. Osei-Kuffour highlighted the critical challenges youth face, including exclusion, marginalization, and disillusionment, and emphasized the need for greater support to mobilize and sustain youth engagement in holding governments accountable.

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The conversation today basically highlights the critical challenges that young people are facing. They are facing a lot of exclusion, they are facing a lot of marginalisation, and they are becoming very vulnerable. Young people are also very disillusioned with the fact that democracy is not delivering results.