A former lawmaker, Senator Shehu Sani, has called on Nigerians in their middle years to become more actively involved in politics rather than limiting their participation to online commentary.

 

Sani in a post on X on Saturday call on citizens in their 30s, 40s and 50s to move beyond social media debates and take up leadership roles, noting that many elective offices are now being occupied by much younger politicians.

 

He criticised surveys that suggest Nigerian youths are more active on social media than in politics, describing such narratives as unhelpful and misleading.

 

The former senator stressed that real political engagement must go beyond digital activism, adding that meaningful change requires physical participation in party structures and elections.

 

 

 

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Sani wrote: “You are in your 30s, 40s or 50s, your Rep member is in his 30s and your House of Assembly member and Local Government Chairman are in their 20s. Excuse yourself from their comment section on Facebook, X and Instagram; register as a member of a political party and aspire to contest and give your people the kind of leadership you think they deserve.”

 

 

 

He added that the narrative that young Nigerians are more involved on social media than in politics does little to encourage real change.

 

“The recent survey that suggests that Nigerian youths are more on social media than in politics is not helpful.”

 

 

He also encouraged aspiring politicians not to be discouraged by financial limitations, insisting that lack of money should not deter anyone from seeking public office.

 

“Don’t be discouraged or scared because “you don’t have money” to join politics.You need to hear the story of most of those you see in power today; it wasn’t an easy ride from the beginning. If they can be, so you can.”