Nigerian youths have been called several things by politicians; Lazy, irresponsible and incompetent being just a few of the popular words used by politicians when it suits them. In a 2018 forum in London, President Buhari stated that many Nigerian youths are lazy and up to no good – a statement that has become the tag line and a rallying call in the #EndSARS protest.

The #EndSARS movement which was initially championed to tackle police brutality by the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), has also stretched to address several other issues that are of national concern, especially lousy governance. This protest has prompted many Nigerians to request accountability from their leaders like never before. It is also leading to a revolution in the Nigerian political sphere as more and more young people are demanding their place in the ‘room where it happens’.

Twitter is currently flooded with a trend seeking the creation of a political party for the youths and by the youths – The Youth Democratic Party, YDP. 

Can I hear Youth Democratic Party(YDP)???

Rt aggressively if you believe that we can do it.#swat pastor sam Nepa Musa S-Sars #EndSWAT pic.twitter.com/uKWXwek0xc

— THAT UGLY GUY (@Ay_showoff) October 13, 2020

Essentially, Nigerian youths have gathered in their forces to propose a political party to boycott two powerful opposition parties – the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressive Party (APC). Where the power dynamics seem to be rotated between the two parties with little or no change, the YDP is seeking to change the narrative with the inclusion of young people who are ready to do the work.

This proposition wouldn’t be a completely new one under the glare of the sun. In Indonesia, a youth-driven party tagged the Indonesian Solidary Party (PSI) was built, with 90 per cent of the governing committee below the age of 40. The party is known to push for the representation of youth and women in the policy-making process of the country and was recently praised by Indonesia’s National Election Committee for its diversity.

Hence, a mirror of that kind of system in Nigerian politics might be a step in the right direction. On Twitter, many Nigerians have also welcomed this idea.

Here are a few reactions:

#YouthDemocraticParty
Basic things to note about YDP
1- nobody above 50years can contest for any position
2- zero tolerance system of government must be implemented afterwards
3- Nigeria must be restructured
4- no bugous salaries/allowance along
5- A committee would be set

— Samson Olu (@samsonjesse1) October 14, 2020

My generation no dey Embezzle public funds(accountability dey)

My generation no dey leave dirty for road after event

My Generation looks out for one another

My Generation is no more Silent

My Generation has SOROSOKE

I support #YouthDemocraticParty

Get your PVCs #EndSWAT pic.twitter.com/irGuuTGKVJ

— ? Onidodo Onimoimoi ? (@Oluwatosyn9) October 14, 2020

#YouthDemocraticParty let’s come together to form a party with philosophy, code of conduct, and a good vision for & ahead of 2023. Retweet if u want this to happen. @TheDeeTwo & creatives can come up with several designs for the logo,@falzthebahdguy can help with d Constitution

— Ex-President Laurel #EndSarsNow (@olabs199) October 13, 2020

We change the things we can change,and try to change the things that looks as if it can't be changed:We're the leaders of today,tomorrow's for our offspring;i pray this bold step by the youths will keep moving "one foot in front of the other".#YouthDemocraticParty #EndSWAT pic.twitter.com/aXTnqjnJq6

— #EndSarsnow #endswatnow #youthoftotoday (@Ebuka_bombshell) October 14, 2020

So true mhen!!#YouthDemocraticParty #YouthDemocraticParty
Retweet so we can make this work. We have to build a new Nigeria for ourselves and push those old ass people away from power!!! pic.twitter.com/pvBm8rW2RJ

— Kris whyte (@chrisprhayz) October 14, 2020

For the longest time, the government and the older generation have always set the narrative of leadership against youths. For many, the lack of experience, and the idea that Nigerian youths are lazy and irresponsible have also been vital factors drawing up to the conclusion that they can only be ineffective leaders.

However you choose to see the idea of a for-youth-and-by-youth party, it remains a promising concept. In other countries, there are a host of young people who are impacting their communities in significant ways, leading constituencies and creating a major positive impact.  Why should Nigeria be any different?