The National Youth Leaders’ Forum of Political Parties in Nigeria (NYLFPPN) has set the target of March 2027 for the incorporation of the “Not Too Young To Run Act” into the constitutions of all political parties in the country. This is contained in the document it unveiled on Monday, 25 March in Abuja. The event was organised by the Westminister Foundation for Democracy (WFD) under its Nigeria Open Political Party (NOPP) project.
The document, titled: “Strategy for Promoting Youths Participation in Political Party Systems (2024-2027)”, contains six goals set by political parties. Not Too Young to Run (NTYTR) Act was signed in 2018 by former President Muhammadu Buhari. The legislation resulted in a reduction in the age qualification for the office of the President from 40 years to 35 years, the House of Representatives from 30 years to 25 years, and the State House of Assembly from 30 years to 25 years. The move by the forum is to ensure that all 18 political parties in Nigeria adopt the provision of the Act into their constitutions.
More so, the youth leaders have put a time frame to achieve all the goals in the document – setting May 2025 as the target date to achieve a 35 per cent affirmative action quota in all political parties. It has also agreed to ensure the Implementation of the 35 per cent youth affirmative action in appointments into executive positions, including cabinets, boards, and other governance structures at all levels. On the waiver of fees for youth aspirants, NYLFPPN set a December 2024 deadline to accomplish that goal, and March 2027 for all political parties to amend their constitutions to recognise youth as people within the age bracket of 18-35 years.
The group is also seeking the establishment of youth wings in all political parties by May 2025. In his remarks, the Chairman of the forum and Youth Leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Muhammed Musa, said the forum will ensure the implementation of the document by engaging relevant groups and individuals. Mr Musa said the forum is going to inform President Bola Tinubu of the recommendations in the document. “Today’s public presentation of the action plan is a culmination of months of diligent collaboration, extensive research, and thoughtful deliberation. This comprehensive roadmap outlines a clear and actionable framework for promoting youth participation, fostering gender equality, and enhancing the overall inclusivity within political parties. As we gather here today, let us acknowledge the pivotal role that our youth play in shaping the destiny of our nation,”
