Move political participation from social to grassroots – Group tasks youths

Godspeed Leadership and Mentorship Development Initiative (GLMDI), an NGO, on Tuesday urged youths to go beyond social media engagement to participate in grassroots politics ahead of the 2023 general elections.

Mr Habila Kayit, National Coordinator, GLMDI, made the call in a statement in Abuja.

According to Kayit, the power of the social media is non-contestable because it is a veritable platform to mobilise support.

“However, politics is local and it involves people at the grassroots.

“While we remain very active with the social media, there is need to bridge our engagements by reaching out to those citizens who are not on social media.

“This must be very intentional if we desire to see a better Nigeria,’’ he said.

He, therefore, urged the youth to use social media wisely to canvas for credible candidates for the nation.

Kayit said that the 2023 general elections had a great significance in the nation as the need for firm, experienced and dedicated leadership remained the nation’s greatest challenge.

He said Nigerians needed to be very intentional in their choice of leaders.

“No political party holds the key to reposition this country other than the preparedness and pedigree of its flag bearer.

“It is non-contestable that all our political parties have beautiful manifesto but implementation remains a challenge,” he said.

Kayit called on youths to rise to the occasion by determining what would happen in the 2023 general elections.

This, he said was because youths and women remained the key determinants of elections.

“Any attempt to cause disunity among these groups by politicians should be rejected,” he said.

He urged party leaders to encourage their members to get their voter cards and ensure their followers voted.

He called on Nigerians to be intentional by joining political parties of their choice and be active players, adding that most decisions taken with regard to the selection of candidates were political party affairs.

Kayit called on youths to remain peaceful and law-abiding for a peaceful and rancor-free election in 2023.

He also urged Nigerians to leverage on the Electoral Act to elect eligible leaders into positions.

“Nigeria is in need of a revolutionary leader and your vote at the 2023 election will make a huge difference.

“The future is now. Vote wisely,’’ he added.