The Challenges of Youth Participation in Politics and Governance; The Assessment of "The Not Too Young to Run Law

Youth participation is essential for democratic governance, yet young people remain underrepresented in political leadership, particularly in developing democracies. In Nigeria, the enactment of the Not Too Young to Run Law in 2018 was intended to reduce age barriers and promote youth inclusion in politics. However, the extent to which this legal reform has improved meaningful youth participation remains uncertain. This study examines the challenges facing youth participation in politics and governance in Nigeria, with a specific focus on assessing the impact of the Not Too Young to Run Law. It analyzes persistent barriers such as high campaign costs, political party exclusion, weak institutional support, political violence, and limited civic education, which continue to restrict youth engagement despite the legal reform. The study finds that while the law represents an important symbolic step toward political inclusion, its practical impact has been limited by structural and socio-economic constraints. The paper argues that legal reforms must be supported by broader institutional and political changes to achieve genuine youth empowerment. This work contributes to discussions on youth, democracy, and political reform and provides policy recommendations for strengthening youth participation in governance.