According to the report from the Vanguard, As the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) congress approaches in Delta State, the stage appears set for a potential shift in youth participation dynamics. Recent reports shed light on the emergence of social media groups focused on voter mobilization and the adoption of youth-friendly campaign technologies, hinting at a possible rejuvenation of democracy in Delta State.
Post the 2023 general election, observers took note of a surge in new voter mobilization efforts, with opposition factions eyeing a chance to challenge the long-standing dominance of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State since the advent of democracy in 1999. Consequently, a growing chorus of Delta PDP stakeholders advocates for a youthful state chairman to spearhead the party's future course.
"It is time for a new cadre of leaders to emerge," remarked a group of stakeholders. They assert that Delta State PDP requires a chairman capable of bridging generational divides, understanding the aspirations of the youth, and actively addressing their concerns. Collaboratively, the intergenerational partnership can chart a promising trajectory for Delta State.
The recently concluded elections in Delta State showcased a noticeable upturn in youth engagement, both in physical spaces and across digital channels. Given that nearly 40% of Delta's populace falls in the 15-39 age bracket, the increased awareness among youth about their pivotal role in the democratic process is unmistakable.
The escalated involvement of youth in pre-election dialogues and campaigns can be attributed to prevalent socio-economic challenges, such as soaring youth unemployment rates and recurrent disruptions in the education sector. Notably, the youth segment accounted for approximately 76% of newly registered voters, with students representing a significant 40% within this cohort.
The significance of the youthful voting bloc became palpable in the interim period between the presidential and state elections, where the urban youth's backing played a role in the Labour Party's success in Delta State during the national polls. Concurrently, various contenders nationwide sought to court the youth vote, underlining the growing influence of young voters in Delta State's political landscape and signaling a stride towards a more inclusive and participatory democracy.
Delta's youth are spearheading demands for transparency and contributing significantly to the maturation of Nigeria's democratic fabric. Any inclination from the political echelons to hand over the State Party Chairmanship to established figures would be regressive. The voices of millions of rural Delta youth, often marginalized, must not be overlooked. Promoting and empowering Delta's youth in the democratic process necessitates comprehensive strategies that ensure the inclusivity of all demographics. True representation in political systems mandates the involvement of every segment of society.