Nigerian Youths, Politics, and the Example of Young Aspirants like Mahmud Salisu Buba

There is a growing conversation in Nigeria that cannot be ignored anymore, and it is the place of young people in the political future of the country. For many years, Nigerian politics has been dominated by older generations who have stayed in power for decades.

Yet, at the same time, the majority of the population remains young, energetic, and full of ideas that could reshape the nation if properly channeled.

Recently, the emergence of young political aspirants such as Mahmud Salisu Buba in Kaduna State has brought back this conversation in a very practical way.

Regardless of public opinion, physical appearance, or background, what stands out in his political move is not necessarily whether he wins or loses, but the fact that he stepped forward to participate in the political process.

In a country where many young people complain daily about bad governance, unemployment, insecurity, and lack of opportunities, it is easy to remain on the sidelines.

Social media has become a space where frustration is expressed, and rightly so. But beyond expressing frustration, there is still a deeper question that must be asked: how many young Nigerians are willing to take responsibility and actively participate in shaping the system they criticize? Politics in Nigeria has often been seen as a difficult space for young people.

The cost of nomination forms alone discourages many. The influence of established political structures makes it even harder for newcomers to gain recognition.

Over time, this has created a situation where many youths believe politics is not for them, but for a select group of older, experienced, and often wealthy individuals. However, if change is truly desired, that mindset must shift.

When a young person like Mahmud Salisu Buba steps forward to contest for a legislative position, it sends a strong message beyond personal ambition. It challenges the silent belief that leadership is reserved only for the older politicians.

It shows that participation is still possible, even in a system that appears heavily controlled by established political figures.

This is where the real issue lies. Nigeria does not only need criticism of the political system, it needs participation. Change is not only achieved from the outside. It is definitely achieved from within.

This is done through engagement, representation, and consistent involvement. There is also the question of mindset among many young people. Many have the wrong mindset, and that has been robbing them of their opportunities.

A large number of youths in Nigeria are highly educated, creative, and innovative, yet many remain disconnected from active political processes. The reason is not far-fetched. The older generation has seized the power process and are very unwilling to give way to the younger generation.

Some feel the system is too corrupt to engage with, while others believe their voices will not matter. There's some truth in this school of thought. To participate in Nigeria politics, you must either have so much money or a godfather who has stolen much money. And when the godfather supports you to win, he dictates your actions and inactions.

Over time, this leads to a cycle where the same set of leaders continue to dominate the political space, not necessarily because they are the best, but because fewer new entrants are willing to compete.

At the same time, it is important to be realistic. Youth participation alone is not a magic solution. Experience, policy knowledge, and leadership skills also matter.

The goal is not to replace older politicians simply because of age, but to create a balanced system where competence, accountability, and fresh ideas can co-exist regardless of age.

Still, it is impossible to ignore the energy that young leaders bring to political office.

Many of Nigeria’s current challenges ranging from unemployment to technology development and economic diversification are issues that require forward-thinking leadership.

Young people, being closer to these realities, often understand them in a more immediate and practical way.

Another major issue is how politics has become associated with wealth accumulation. For many Nigerians, political office is seen less as a position of service and more as a pathway to financial stability. This perception has weakened public trust and created a gap between leaders and citizens.

When politics becomes more about personal gain than public service, development naturally suffers. Most politicians actually are after what they will benefit for themselves and not for the general good of the people. If Nigeria mudr move forward, this mindset must change. Leadership should be about responsibility to the masses and not for personal enrichment.

It should be about building systems that benefit the majority, not enriching a few individuals who build empires for themselves and their families.

The example of young aspirants like Mahmud Salisu Buba should therefore not be seen in isolation. It should be seen as part of a wider conversation about political inclusion, youth participation, and democratic renewal.

Whether or not such individuals succeed at the polls, their participation alone expands the political space and challenges long-standing norms. Ultimately, the future of Nigeria will not be decided by frustration, it will be decided by participation. Young people cannot afford to remain only observers of the political system. They must become active contributors within it, if they truly want to see a different outcome.

Change will not come easily, and it will not come quickly. But it will also not come at all if those who desire it refuse to step forward when the opportunity presents itself.