In recent times there has been increased glamour for youth inclusion in governance in Nigeria to bridge the country’s governance gap. Experts say youth inclusion was requisite for robust governance and accountability. The principal findings of this study indicate that the concept of youth as leaders of tomorrow have constricted a very important social category to the political fringe and reduced a demographic majority to a political minority. In the run-off to the 2023 general election, Nigeria’s youth played pivotal roles, while they were seen and heard throughout the election circle both online, in mainstream media and on the ground. Although there was apathy in past elections due to the lack of credibility of these polls, the situation changed around. It is estimated that 60 percent of Nigeria’s population is under the age of 25, making it the youngest country in Africa, and their awareness and recognition of the democratic power they hold has undoubtedly increased. There is the general understanding among stakeholders that Nigeria’s youth are under-represented in public office, either elective or appointed despite forming the bulk of the voting population. There is an overwhelming view that the situation needs to change. To achieve this goal, the study adopted the Trait Theory of Leadership and to a large extent, the secondary sources of data collection with historical method of data analysis. However, the study calls for concerted efforts by the religious and political leadership in Nigeria to utilize these youthful assets effectively to drive national transformation.
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