Without any political intensions to campaign for a candidate I wish to state an objective case for the Nigerian youth with regards the political system and the opportunities it provides for intersectional change. Though it is merely two days from the deciding moment it is important to state this case than stay mute and be weighed down by the ‘Nigerians are known more for their eloquence than accomplishments’, (not that there are none notable). A lot has been said about the desire for a dynamic economy that can be open with options for all members of the society, equal opportunities and a lot more. The recent electoral processes starting way back as 14 months from date has illustrated the presence of the anticipated atmosphere that would drive the national philosophy of citizenship and leadership through a decisive vantage point engineered by the youths. This element though bred on societal misnomer of youth violence and menace has gradually provided an opportunity for a formidable action essential for coexistence and growth from a literal and legal perspective.

This opinion is drawn from several tempting assumptions that the current national conundrum is a deliberate attempt to relegate the average young Nigerian from participation in national building and intelligent contribution to the economic growth of the nation so as to create opportunities for gratification to non performance in several sectors headed by ‘youths’. It is no doubt that the age group range of Nigerians who constitute the vibrant labor force of the society are the youths, consequently it is expected that their input on national growth through manual labor, intellectual property, business management and other spheres of human activity is largest; yet they are considered as the leaders of tomorrow [leaders only after the current leaders are entirely gone]. It would be sinister to think that the young Nigerians would anticipate such an opportunity to exercise their strengths which can be contestably argued to be better than what is currently obtainable evident from how young jobless individuals invent jobs and engage others. Several other likelihoods can be raised but to maintain focus, let us elaborate on the activities at the April 2011 polls, and how it promises a transformation of the international envy, Nigeria.

At the polls, the hope of the ideal voter identifies escalating utility expenditures resulting from insufficient social amenities and infrastructure to promote productivity and the consequence of better available alternatives. These include on the list a stable power supply, access to affordable quality healthcare and education, better job opportunities, provision of adequate agricultural input and the list goes on including other things like the desire for transparency and reassurance in willingness to provide humane security and protection of lives and property. Disappointingly in the realistic case, loss of confidence in the system lures the strong element of decision towards ethnic lines, religion, self interests, regionalization and other uncertain indices.

This current electoral process provides a unique opportunity and distinct candidate to create a rapid evolution of Nigerian politics using salient pointers, stated with no bias; Currently, Nigerians battle with the fact that a certain age must be attained to contest the seat of leadership, this is flawed by several circumstances one of which is, a condition where there is no competent candidate available; or rather option-worthy candidate. In such a situation the available becomes the desirable and thus results to what is obtained in many electoral positions in Nigeria. The Polls has created an opportunity to allow any young Nigerian with an average background and desire to deliver a change to make a consequential contest, which could be fair. This success would invariable reorder the ‘leader of tomorrow ideology’ and better stratify the national system for effectiveness. The craving for a visionary to direct the cause of national greatness is at peak, this also has been demonstrated by previous and recent dog-headed ambitions of an aspirant at the polls. Indeed it is no doubt that to regain the ‘giants status’ there is a need for a resolute captain to navigate the compass and break through storms. Two candidates clearly elaborate these tendencies, one meets the first criteria stated were as the second is however limited by the fading sands in time factor. Also if a synergy of both players is considered it would catalyze the national ambition subscribed by both. At the polls, elites look at a dynamic global arena which progressively requires initiation and pro-activeness born out of innovation and general action to the benefit of all, on this, one candidate demonstrates this aptitude. There is no questioning that Nigeria is and international player in policy formulation and global governance, yet this ability is threatened by local rivalry in politics and national administration.

Finally, it still remains a valid fact that leadership is a gradual process that is established with time, but the April 16 polls presents a golden opportunity which should not be lost on trivial issues. And it is time to re-establish the correct notion that “children are the leaders of tomorrow”; consequently, youths are the leaders of today, and elders were the leaders of yesterday. It is vital that ignorance be left aside as we stop running in circles.

The writer is a consultant working with Community Based Organizations in Northern Nigeria towards raising awareness of youths and promoting quality practices.