Dino Melaye Sounds the Drum of Generational Change: “Nigeria’s Youth Must Move From Political Crowds to Political Power, From Spectators to Stakeholders”

***Calls for Political Awakening, Accountability and Generational Leadership

Former Senator representing Kogi West, Dino Melaye, has urged Nigerian youths to move beyond superficial political tokenism, manipulation, and crowd-mobilisation efforts. He encouraged them to play a central role in Nigeria’s democratic renewal and national growth.

Melaye delivered a passionate address at the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Youth Summit to commemorate International Youth Day. The event's theme was “Remaining Nigeria: The Role of Young People in Building a Prosperous, Democratic Nation,” and he focused his speech on “Youth Mobilisation: Reclaiming the Future of Nigeria.”

Standing before key figures including ADC’s presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar GCON, Vice-Presidential Candidate Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, National Chairman Senator David Mark, party leaders, and stakeholders, Melaye emphasised that Nigeria’s main obstacle is not a lack of young people but the absence of a well-organised, empowered youth mobilisation framework.

According to him, Nigeria’s youthful population should be viewed as a strategic national asset rather than a demographic burden.

“Our youth population is not a problem to be managed. It is an enormous national asset to be developed,” he declared.

From Political Spectators to Political Stakeholders

Melaye challenged Nigerian youths to abandon the traditional role of political spectators and become active stakeholders in governance and democratic decision-making.

He argued that for decades, young people had been heavily relied upon for political crowds, campaign energy and electoral numbers, while their voices were frequently marginalised when critical decisions concerning policies, candidate selection and governance were being made.

He therefore called for a fundamental transformation from youth mobilisation to youth political participation, insisting that young Nigerians must be represented and engaged from the ward level to local governments, states, the National Assembly and the highest levels of government.

According to him, political participation goes beyond contesting elections.

A young Nigerian who monitors a local government budget, demands accountability from elected officials, defends constitutional rights, creates employment, develops technological solutions or contributes to community development is already participating in nation-building.

Melaye maintained that Nigeria needed a new generation of politically conscious citizens capable of influencing policy rather than merely reacting to political events.

“You Are Not Political Thugs or Election-Day Statistics”

In one of the strongest portions of his address, the former lawmaker warned youths against allowing themselves to be reduced to instruments of political manipulation.

He declared:

“You are not political thugs. You are not political crowds. You are not election-day statistics. You are citizens.”

Melaye urged young Nigerians to demand concrete policy commitments from political candidates, including clear answers on implementation, funding, measurable outcomes and accountability.

He argued that political consciousness must replace blind loyalty, while ideas and programmes must take precedence over personality cults and emotional mobilisation.

Beyond Anger: Mobilising Around Ideas

The former senator also cautioned young Nigerians against allowing legitimate frustration with the Nigerian political system to degenerate into destructive anger.

While acknowledging the power of youthful anger to awaken society, he stressed that sustainable transformation requires ideas, policy knowledge, civic consciousness and organised action.

ASA