The Bright Continent

We’re less than one month from Nigeria’s presidential election. Through the lens of pro-democracy uprisings elsewhere in Africa, author Chimamanda Adichie writes about what the democratic process means for youth in Nigeria:

About 70% of Nigeria’s population is under 35, and there has been, for a long time, a political culture of ignoring the youth, who themselves were disconnected from the political process. That is changing. Last year, when Nigerians were not told about the whereabouts of the late president, Umaru Yar’Adua, groups of young people marched in protest. More recently, a coalition of groups worked to register young voters, using Facebook, Twitter and texts. At voter registration venues, which were sometimes chaotic, young people brought food and water to make sure the staff did their jobs well. Young women breastfed their babies while waiting in line. Young men spent the night there to make sure they could register. A total of 67 million Nigerians registered, up from 35 million in 2007, and the new ones are, no doubt, mostly young people. A friend asked a woman who had come from school why she wanted to vote. The reply: “Because it gives me the right to complain.”

Many still think the ruling party will rig its way to victory, but there is a new dynamism, a keenness to engage. On 25 March, I will moderate a presidential debate, organised by youth groups under the name “What About Us”, in which candidates will answer questions sent via social media. The first presidential debate to focus on young people, it is an exciting prospect. Not only will the candidates address the concerns of the majority of Africa’s most populous country, but the debate might portend a change in our political culture.

I’ve been pleased to see anecdotal and official evidence of increased youth interest in this important election. These Nigerians have a right that is dear to millions, given what we’ve seen in the Middle East and North Africa of late. What will they do with it? Does it matter? I’ll be on the ground in April, and will report more then.