Former Jigawa State governor Sule Lamido has said that the Not Too Young To Run law, which lowered the age for contesting elections in the country, is more theoretical than practical because of the cost of electioneering.
Lamido, who stated this while speaking at an event organised by the Office of the National Youth Leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to commemorate the 2026 International Youth Day, said many young people cannot afford the cost of contesting elections.
The former Jigawa State governor, represented by former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, canvassed for the reduction of the cost of electioneering to make it easier for young people to contest electoral offices.
He stated that while several young people are interested in contesting elections, they are unable to do so because of the prohibitive cost.
According to him, “We always agitate not too young to run, not too young to run. But actually, if you look at it, the statement is only theoretical, but in practice it is not possible. Not too young to run.
“But if you look at what is being demanded for you to contest an election, House of Assembly, House of Representatives, Senate, Governorship, President, then you discover that the actual statement of not too young to run, it is only about an academic work.
“The implementation of that law is becoming practically not possible for 99.9% of our young men and women. They want to run. But if you look at the cost of running, expression of interest, form, campaign, taking care of the relevant stakeholders, election management, among many, many others, then you can know that it is only an academic work.”
The PDP National Youth Leader, Ibrahim Bala-Aboki, in his speech, said the future of the opposition party, as well as the country, rests on youths.
Consequently, Bala-Aboki stated that it is imperative to ensure youths are included in governance, noting that inclusion is not a favour to young people.
He said “the future of the Peoples Democratic Party and, indeed, the future of Nigerian democracy depends significantly on how effectively we engage, empower and prepare our young people.
“I therefore reaffirm my commitment to building a youth structure that is inclusive, vibrant, disciplined, innovative and grassroots-driven. Together, we will create greater opportunities for young people, strengthen our party structures and deepen youth participation in democratic governance.
“The PDP youths are determined to mobilize other Nigerians to shun voter apathy in Nigeria. Every voter is a leader. Together, let us shape and forge our chosen future.
On this International Youth Day, let us move forward with one conviction:
Youth inclusion is not a favour. It is an investment in the future of our party and our nation.”
(The Sun)