By Bunmi Yekini
The Renevlyn Development Initiative (RDI) has called on young Nigerians to rethink their attitude towards elections, stressing that their participation is crucial to strengthening democracy in the country.
This message was at the heart of the second edition of the Youth and Resilience Series organized by RDI with the theme “Nigerian Youths and Apathy to Elections.” The virtual dialogue examined the low turnout recorded during the July 12, 2025 Lagos State local government elections, which reflected a growing distrust of Nigeria’s electoral process, despite youths making up nearly 70 percent of the country’s registered voters.
Dominion Amupitan, RDI volunteer and project support staff, who anchored the session, said youths cannot afford to shy away from their civic responsibilities.
“Active participation of young people in elections is not optional—it is a duty,” she said. “At RDI, we believe social justice is only possible in an environment that guarantees credible and participatory electoral processes.”
Political analyst and disability rights activist, Ubaka Emeka Bertram, who featured as a discussant, gave a historical perspective on governance in Nigeria while stressing the importance of civic responsibility.
“Young people are intellectuals and catalysts for development,” Bertram noted. “The destiny of a nation rests heavily on their shoulders, and they must engage actively in the democratic process.”
Echoing this point, Tijani Abdulkareem, Executive Director of the Socio-Economic Research and Development Centre (SERDEC), urged youths to take ownership of their political future, starting from the grassroots.
“Apathy towards elections is dangerous because the youth are the backbone of any country,” Abdulkareem warned. “If young people disengage, the nation’s democratic future is at risk.”
In his closing remarks, RDI’s Executive Director, Philip Jakpor, reminded participants of the enduring truth in the words of Frederick Douglass:
“If there is no struggle, there would be no progress.”
According to RDI, the Youth and Resilience Series forms part of its focus on democratic governance and social justice, with the goal of empowering young Nigerians to become active participants in shaping the nation’s future.